William Buell Sutton Sr.

William 'Buell' Sutton Sr., 78

William 'Buell' Sutton Sr. passed away on March 4, 2026. He was born on January 27, 1948 in Marianna, Florida to Louie Carlton Sutton and Minnie Muriel Deese. Buell was a resident of Okeechobee for over 47 years and a member of the Buckhead Ridge - VFW Post 9528, Moose Lodge 2417, and Eagles Club Moore Haven. Buell was a devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was deeply committed to his wife, Cheryl, of 53 years. He loved poker, hunting, and above all, spending time with his family.

He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1970 as a member of the Lookout Division aboard the USS Providence (CLG-6), a guided missile light cruiser. During his enlistment, the Providence conducted extensive operations off the coast of Vietnam, providing critical naval gunfire support and shore bombardment to allied forces, including during intense periods like the aftermath of the 1968 Tet Offensive. In his role in the Lookout Division, he helped maintain vigilant watch for threats, contributing to the ship's air defense and combat effectiveness in contested waters. For his service in support of combat operations in the Vietnam theater, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, recognizing participation in multiple designated campaigns.

After leaving the Navy, Buell was a master carpenter his entire working life, with skill and dedication that culminated in serving as Director of Maintenance at Hendry Regional Medical Center in Clewiston, Florida, where he oversaw upkeep and repairs for the community hospital until entering semi-retirement in 1999.

He never truly retired, always finding something to fix or tinker with, "piddling" about the house, helping family and friends, and keeping his hands busy right to the end.

Buell will be deeply missed by all who knew him, his loving family, the friends he shared laughs and stories with, the colleagues who relied on his expertise and steady hand, and everyone whose life he quietly made better through his kindness, skill, and quiet presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louie Carlton Sutton and Minnie Muriel Pollock; and brother, Louie 'Clifford' Sutton.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Ann Sutton; son, William Buell 'Billy' Sutton Jr. (Barbara); daughter, Tonya Renee Arnold; brother, Phillip Wayne Sutton; grandchildren, Tayler Melton (Hunter), Aubrie Tilton (Norris), Shane Arnold (Mercedes), and Tyler Arnold (Courtney); and four great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the West Palm Beach VA Hospice in William Buell Sutton Sr.'s memory at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.

All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.