Ernest Monroe Sutton Sr.

Ernest Monroe Sutton, Sr. went peacefully to his heavenly home early on February 5, 2016 in Waynesville, NC at the age of 91. Ernest was born to the late George C. Sutton and Emma Hannah Sutton in the Cove Creek section of Haywood County, NC on June 29, 1924. He was preceded in death by his siblings Claude Sutton of Lawrenceville, GA; Howard Sutton of Fortuna, CA; and Doris Skillington of Waynesville, NC. He served his country in World War II as a Cannoneer in Troop C, 106th Cavalry Recognizance Squadron, which fell under the Third United States Army and the command of General Patton. During the War, Ernest earned the rank of Technician Fifth Grade and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, a Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement in action. In total, Ernest served 19 months in combat earning the European-African-Middle Eastern campaign medal with four Bronze Service Stars (Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central European). He married his first wife the late Elaine Queen Sutton on November 22, 1945. They had three sons: the late George “Tommy” Sutton (Brenda) of Waynesville, NC; Ernest Sutton, Jr. (Portia) of Asheville, NC; and Terry L. Sutton (Jane) of Parkersburg, WV. He was blessed to have married the second love of his life, Lois Dillard on May 6, 1995. At this time, his family increased with the addition of two step-children, Vickie Coggins (Tim) of Augusta, GA and Jeffrey Dillard of Atlanta, GA. Ernest was a very active member of Hazelwood Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for more than 50 years. He also taught and served in many capacities while attending. His church and his God were his passions, and he lived his life to serve his Lord. He was a proud grandfather to six: Evan Sutton (Manda) of Washington, WV; Brodie Sutton (Roxanne) of Bristow, VA; Rusty Sutton (Theresa) of Asheville, NC; Kadie Sutton of Canton, NC; Timothy Coggins of Sylva; and Aaron Coggins (Whitnie) of Sylva. Services will be held at Hazelwood Baptist Church on Sunday, February 7th. Visitation will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. with funeral services at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Hospice of Haywood County.