John Richard Sutton Sr.

John Richard Sutton, Sr. September 7, 1943 January 24, 2014. John, a country lawyer, proudly served his community, neighbors, relatives and friends in Candler, N.C. from 1971 until he retired in 2008. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 45 years, Elaine Phillips Sutton, and children: Nan Sutton Howard who is married to Walt Howard of Charlotte, John R. Sutton, Jr. of Candler, and Emily Sutton Dezio, who is married to Tony Dezio of Enka Village. John is also survived by his brother and pal David T. Sutton and dear wife Kay of Hendersonville, his beloved sisters: Joye Kaufman of Pennsylvania, Lynn Spain of Hendersonville and Sandra Self and husband Lyle Self of Georgia, his sister-in-law Susan Phillips of Pine Knoll Shores and brother-in-law, Woody Phillips of Virginia. John loved without measure being the proud "Papa" to Lily & Abi Sutton, Sam, Sara & Sutton Howard, and Etta Dezio. John was very fond of Maranda and Skylar Warren. He loved all of his family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. John was born in Front Royal Virginia, the 5th child of George and Edith Sutton. The Sutton Family moved to Asheville during John's impressionable years. He was raised on Duke Street in the Kenilworth neighborhood from his 6th grade year until he graduated Lee Edwards High School in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Chapel Hill and was a proud and avid Tar Heel fan until his death. However, he forgave his daughters who both chose N.C. State. He first attended law school at Howard University in 1968, ultimately transferring and graduating Cum Laude from George Washington Law in 1971. John returned to Western North Carolina in 1971 to join his brother, George W. Sutton, Jr., "Bud", in the practice of law. John was proud that his Candler law practice grew to include both his son, John R. Sutton Jr., and his daughter, Emily Sutton Dezio, and always conducted business on the square. John protected those he loved, including his children, siblings, nieces, nephews and many clients. His mannerisms in the courtroom in his many cross examinations manifested into an adjective: to "Suttonize" a witness. He was passionate about local politics, serving his community and church. John was very proud of his ownership of the Morgan Farm House in Candler on Old Spring Drive where he and Elaine raised their family. Built in the 1800s, John and Elaine worked tirelessly to restore the home, barns, farm and land to welcome their relatives and friends through the years. Their home easily became the "house to come home to" for their children, relatives and many friends. John loved working the land, farming and gardening with his wife and mother, enjoying the fruits of their labor -- especially slicing an heirloom tomato on a warm, summer day. John recently compiled an extensive family history using many sources and has given this gift of history to his family. The family will receive friends from 10-11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014, with a memorial service to follow at Hominy Baptist Church. To honor John in his life and death, you should first honor your family and be profoundly loyal to those you love. In lieu of flowers, John would support contributions to Hominy Baptist Church or Pisgah Legal Services.