Raymond Sutton

Raymond Sutton, age 94, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at the Tennova Convalescent Center in Newport, Tennessee. He had been in declining health for the past several months. He was born on January 26, 1924, in Monroe County, Tennessee, the third child of Claude and Effie Sutton. A World War II veteran, Raymond joined the army upon graduation from Monroe County High School. He served three years, 18 months of which were spent overseas in the European Theatre. Upon returning from the war, Raymond entered Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens where he met and later married Kathleen in 1947. After graduating from Tennessee Wesleyan, he entered the University of Tennessee graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture. Raymond and Kathleen came to Cocke County in 1949 upon his employment with the UT Agricultural Extension Service as the first full-time 4-H agent in the county. He enjoyed his work and touched the lives of many Cocke County boys and girls. He conducted club meeting in the schools each month where young people presented demonstrations, gave speeches, learned parliamentary procedure and acquired life skills. Raymond was especially known for his work with livestock projects and judging teams. He always gave great credit to the 4-H volunteers who assisted with the program. Later, Raymond served as the county Extension Leader doing adult work. He worked with farmers in all phases of livestock and crop production, especially when they were growing tomatoes for packing. Tobacco producers also called upon him when they were having problems with their crop. He served the people of Cocke County for 37 years until his retirement in 1986. Raymond was active in community affairs. He served as director of the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the Newport Lions Club and served as president. He received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest level of recognition given to a Lions member. He was voted Lion of the Year and received the Youth Exchange Award as result of his activities with international students. Raymond was an active member of the First United Methodist Church for 68 years and served it in many capacities. Raymond led a full life after his retirement. He enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening. He was especially proud of his irises and day lilies. He liked sharing his vegetables with friends and received many compliments on his garden from motorists as they traveled up and down the Greeneville Highway. He loved to travel visiting more than 17 countries on six continents. He enjoyed hosting international adults through the Friendship Force of Knoxville. He was active participant in the 4-H Labo Japanese and IFYE exchange programs. He also opened his home to many international students from the University of Tennessee, Tennessee Wesleyan College, Hiwassee College and Tennessee Meiji Gakuin High School and was known as "Papa Sutton" to many of them. He truly had friends around the world. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Kathleen Sutton of Parrottsville; sons Stephen Sutton of Knoxville and Dr. David Sutton (Linda) of Parrottsville; daughters Jana Chambers of Parrottsville and Lilly Sutton of Knoxville; grandchildren Dr. Joseph Sutton (Anna) of Greeneville, Thomas Sutton (Tia) of Billings, MT, Michael Chambers (Staci) of Durham, NC, Katie Chambers Robertson (Chris) Kennesaw, GA; eight great grandchildren; brother Kenneth Sutton of Kingston and sister Claudia Atkins of Madisonville. He is preceded in death by his parents Claude and Effie Mae Bledsoe Sutton, sister, Louise Green and brothers Gillis and J.C. Sutton. Raymond's life will be celebrated during a memorial service at the First United Methodist in Newport on Monday, April 30, 2018, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the church with the memorial service immediately following. The family will hold a private interment at Union Cemetery in Newport. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be sent to the First United Methodist Church, 212 Washington Avenue, Newport, TN 37821 or the Tennessee 4-H Foundation, 2621 Morgan Circle, Room 205, Knoxville, TN 37996-4510.

Raymond Sutton

January 26, 1924 - April 25, 2018