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John Sutton Sr.

1943 - 2014

John Sutton Sr. obituary, 1943-2014, Candler, NC

BORN

1943

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Asheville

1428 Patton Avenue

Asheville, North Carolina

John Sutton Obituary

John Richard Sutton, Sr.

Candler - John Richard Sutton, Sr. September 7, 1943 - January 24, 2014.

John, a country lawyer, proudly served his community, neighbors, relatives and friends in Candler, N.C. from 1971 until he retired in 2008. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 45 years, Elaine Phillips Sutton, and children: Nan Sutton Howard who is married to Walt Howard of Charlotte, John R. Sutton, Jr. of Candler, and Emily Sutton Dezio, who is married to Tony Dezio of Enka Village. John is also survived by his brother and pal David T. Sutton and dear wife Kay of Hendersonville, his beloved sisters: Joye Kaufman of Pennsylvania, Lynn Spain of Hendersonville and Sandra Self and husband Lyle Self of Georgia, his sister-in-law Susan Phillips of Pine Knoll Shores and brother-in-law, Woody Phillips of Virginia. John loved without measure being the proud "Papa" to Lily & Abi Sutton, Sam, Sara & Sutton Howard, and Etta Dezio. John was very fond of Maranda and Skylar Warren. He loved all of his family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

John was born in Front Royal Virginia, the 5th child of George and Edith Sutton. The Sutton Family moved to Asheville during John's impressionable years. He was raised on Duke Street in the Kenilworth neighborhood from his 6th grade year until he graduated Lee Edwards High School in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Chapel Hill and was a proud and avid Tar Heel fan until his death. However, he forgave his daughters who both chose N.C. State. He first attended law school at Howard University in 1968, ultimately transferring and graduating Cum Laude from George Washington Law in 1971. John returned to Western North Carolina in 1971 to join his brother, George W. Sutton, Jr., "Bud", in the practice of law. John was proud that his Candler law practice grew to include both his son, John R. Sutton Jr., and his daughter, Emily Sutton Dezio, and always conducted business on the square.

John protected those he loved, including his children, siblings, nieces, nephews and many clients. His mannerisms in the courtroom in his many cross examinations manifested into an adjective: to "Suttonize" a witness. He was passionate about local politics, serving his community and church.

John was very proud of his ownership of the Morgan Farm House in Candler on Old Spring Drive where he and Elaine raised their family. Built in the 1800s, John and Elaine worked tirelessly to restore the home, barns, farm and land to welcome their relatives and friends through the years. Their home easily became the "house to come home to" for their children, relatives and many friends. John loved working the land, farming and gardening with his wife and mother, enjoying the fruits of their labor -- especially slicing an heirloom tomato on a warm, summer day. John recently compiled an extensive family history using many sources and has given this gift of history to his family.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014, with a memorial service to follow at Hominy Baptist Church. To honor John in his life and death, you should first honor your family and be profoundly loyal to those you love. In lieu of flowers, John would support contributions to Hominy Baptist Church or Pisgah Legal Services.

To sign John's guestbook online, go to "Memorials" at www.andersrice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asheville Citizen-Times on Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Sutton

Not sure what to say?





Larry Dezio

January 21, 2021

I always had a pleasant visit with John and was fascinated with his family history. We enjoyed exchanging family stories. He made sure that I always ate good BBQ when we would visited him.

Lou and Sharon Miller

February 1, 2014

We have been friends of David and Kay for over 40 years so we have known not only John but most of the Sutton family. We would laugh about a lot of "John" stories and knew how much he loved his family. Our love and prayers are with the entire Sutton family and we will be telling "John stories" for years to come.

Sandra Biggs

January 31, 2014

Unfortunately I cannot attend the memorial, but I want the Sutton family to know John was a unique individual and working with him adversely kept you on your toes.

January 30, 2014

We are sadden that we are unable to attend the Memorial Services because of the ice storm in Wilmington and local roads iced. I remember taking John to his first pro-football game at the Carolina Panther's stadium. He was so thrilled and amazed at all the excitement in the stadium. Then, I took him to his first NASCAR race in Bristol, TN. He could not believe all the fanfare and how loud the roar of engines noise was. His excitement at both events was just like a young teenager. Additionally, we frequently wagered on what the first Dezio grandson should be called. We had long discussions over barbeque on how the Yankees should be managed. Mickey Mantle was are HERO....We will miss him. The family is in our prayers.
Larry, Grace and Carrie Dezio

Mark and Karina Moser

January 29, 2014

Our hearts and thoughts are with you, dear family.

January 29, 2014

AS signed john's book the other day he was a good HS friend & I took pictures on some of our adventures.
another picture attached.

---Andy Herndon

June Duvall

January 28, 2014

To John's family, Even though I only knew John for a few weeks, I could see he loved his wife and family; his face glowed when he spoke of all of you. When he became ill and could not attend pulmonary rehab classes, I missed his sense of humor and his stories about being a lawyer. He was a true "Southern Gentleman" and was very accepting of this "Yankee" from New York.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ellita Bradshaw Matthews

January 28, 2014

John Jr.,Emily,and Lynn, so sad to learn of John's passing. He was an outstanding legal mind and a wonderful friend to many of his clients, including me. John gave me the courage to do what needed to be done at the time..May God bless all of you and give you the peace of knowing he is in God's hands now.

Wilma Sherrill

January 28, 2014

Elaine, John Jr., Emily, Nan and family,

So sorry for your loss.
John was my best political buddy....I loved him and sincerely appreciate all the help he gave me....I shall greatly miss our conversations about "who" we should support!
God bless all of you.
Love, Wilma Sherrill

Karol Henson Black

January 28, 2014

Elaine and family: I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked for him back in the 80's and appreciated his work ethic and humor. God bless you and hold you and your family in his arms.

grady byrd

January 27, 2014

I remember when the Sutton family moved I spent with all the family will be missed by all.will be away on fri.

Peggy Melville

January 27, 2014

Loved being with all of you especially at wedding events. The sutton family was always such gracious hosts. Sorry for the loss of your love one. My prayers are with all of you

Lisa House

January 27, 2014

Nan,I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

Phil

January 27, 2014

I am sorry to hear of the passing of John , he will be greatly missed. May you keep the fond memories you have of him always in your heart. James 4:8 invites us to "draw close to God and he will draw close to you", especially during this sorrowful time.

Laura Clark

January 26, 2014

John taught me many things in work and politics. He was always cheerfully talking of his family. His character, professionalism, and jolly disposition were second to none. My deepest sympathies to the Sutton family. He will surely be missed in the community.

Spencer Scarborough

January 26, 2014

John,

When I return home the next time, I was planning to look you up. There were questions I was going to ask concerning our experiences at David Millard. Thanks John.

Charity Holcombe

January 26, 2014

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends! My heart and prayers are with you all!

MINISTER JAMES A. GRANT

January 26, 2014

DEAR FAMILY, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU.

Peggy Guest-Totherow

January 26, 2014

To the family of Mr Sutton, my deepest sympathy to your family. I went to high school with his brother David. Mr Sutton left way too soon.

January 26, 2014

john was a good friend back in high school. Sat across and had a great chat at last reunion. Attached are several pictures of john from my collection.---Andy Herndon

Tasha Jones-Elliott

January 26, 2014

Thank you for all that you did john sutton sr. For my grandmother Margaret setzer . You were her only attorney all those yrs she lived there and I know both your children from highschool you did a wonderful job raising them. I know you are smiling down in them now

Nikki Lovingood

January 26, 2014

John was a great man! My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.

ROY STEWART

January 26, 2014

john what a good guy you are...we had a great chat at reunion and laughed about young life trip to Colorado in 1961...am sure you are in heaven...God bless us all for knowing you..God bless your family...WE LIVED THE "HAPPY DAYS"A YOUR PAL SEFUS

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Anders-Rice Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Asheville

1428 Patton Avenue, Asheville, NC 28806

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