Rufus Jonathan Sutton

Waynesville, Rufus Jonathan Sutton, age 82, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Chestnut Park Rest Home. A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was the son of the late Ted R. and Hester Finger Sutton. He was also preceded in death by two sons, Rufus Sutton, Jr. and Phillip Sutton; three brothers; and one sister. He was a mountain man and loved to dig ginseng and go hunting. He enjoyed bluegrass music and played a guitar, bass, and banjo, playing for Raymond Fairchild throughout his life. He is survived by two sons, Wade Sutton and his wife, Lisa, of Waynesville and Jimmy Sutton of Canton; three daughters, Melinda Guffy of Raleigh, Judith Ann Sutton of Gastonia, and Carla Sutton; one brother, Luther Sutton and his wife, Marie, of Waynesville; two sisters, Nettie Hooper and Myrtle Noland and her husband, Mac, all of Waynesville; nine grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a dear friend, Michael Hughes. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at Rich Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Ben, Luke, and Jake Sutton, Michael Hughes, Tony Conner, and Jamie Hawkins. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 12:30 p.m. prior at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.