Billy Van Sutton

Billy Van Sutton

Billy Van Sutton, aged 89, of Clinton stepped peacefully into eternity on June 30, 2022 after a brief illness and after living a full life that had it's share of challenges but also a wealth of blessings. Billy was the 6th of 10 children, born on May 21, 1933 to the late Harvey (Tart) Sutton and Betty Pearl Vann Sutton.

Being raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work from his earliest days. His honesty and work ethic became a hallmark of his life. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and spent 20 years serving his country. His tenure in the Army included being stationed in various parts of the country as well as Korea, Germany, and two tours in Vietnam where he earned the Silver Star and Bronze Star medals. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 1973. Following his military service, Billy and family returned to North Carolina and he became employed with Carolina Telephone, retiring in 1993 in Tarboro, NC.

After his second career, Billy was blessed to enjoy nearly 30 years of retired life in Clinton. Some flirtatious moments at an ice cream social at Newton Grove High School led to a lifelong commitment to the love of his life, Janet Jordan Sutton. They were married on Aug. 29, 1953 and would have celebrated their 69th anniversary next month. Billy and Janet were the embodiment of lifelong dedication to each other "in sickness and in health" and Janet was by his side when he left this world. Billy's life was epitomized by family, faith, love of country, and service to others.

He was a proud member of Grove Park Baptist Church where he previously served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, and chairman of the Baptist Men. He remained an avid sports fan his entire life and most evenings (depending upon the season) he could be found enjoying a ball game, most especially the Boston Red Sox and his beloved Duke Blue Devils. Billy's family was of upmost importance to him and he always looked forward to time spent with his children and other extended family members. He was always a wealth of knowledge and his children and grandchildren continued to value his opinions and advice to the very end. He most definitely earned the love and respect of those who called him "Daddy" and "Pa Bill."

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janet Jordan Sutton and three children: Teresa S. Wolf (Paul) of Clinton, William Van Sutton, Jr (Angela) of Emerald Isle, and Douglas Jay Sutton (Candy) of Raleigh. He was a beloved "pa" to eight grandchildren: Amy T. Kopietz (Jerrod) of Richlands, Jason Lee (Alison) of Wilmington, Robbie Sutton (Kate) of Mt. Airy, Douglas Sutton of Concord, Ryan Lee (Sarah) of Clinton, Destiny Crossingham (Charles) of Raleigh, Joshua Sutton of Raleigh, and Melanie Sutton of Emerald Isle and eleven great-grandchildren: Caleb Kopietz, Sadee Kopietz, Kolton Kopietz, Mark Lee, Alicia Lee, Emory Lee, Reagan Lee, Haylen Lee, Knox Sutton, Wales Sutton, and Lennon Sutton. In addition, he is survived by sister Gaynelle S. Shipp (Melvin) of Clinton; brothers-in-law Sherrell Jordan (Peggy) of Goldsboro and Clyde Jordan (Bonnie) of Raleigh; and sisters-in-law Jean Sutton of Clinton, Janice Sutton of Fayetteville, Peggy J. Lee and Brenda J. Powers, both of Mt. Olive as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers; Ambert Sutton, Odis Sutton, Linwood Sutton, Raven (Mac) Sutton, Delmas Sutton and three sisters; Elizabeth Normile, Leatrice Britt, and Patricia Malpass.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 2, at 1 p.m. at Grove Park Baptist Church in Clinton followed by visitation with the family. Graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5, at Grandview Memorial Park in Clinton.

Flowers are welcome or donations in memory of Billy can be made to Grove Park Baptist Church Adult 1 Sunday School Class, 609 Northeast Blvd., Clinton, NC 28328.

Royal-Hall of Clinton is honored to serve the Sutton family.