Henry practiced law for 35 years in Memphis after completing his law degree at Vanderbilt in 1961. He was a member of the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Born in Crockett County Jan 11, 1932 to Garland and Pauline (Lewis) Sutton, raised and schooled in Madison County, he worked his way through Jackson High School. After a brief stint at Lambuth College, he volunteered for the Navy, serving aboard a destroyer as a sonarman during the Korean War. Discharged as a petty officer 1st class in 1955, he entered Union University, later transferred to Memphis State, and graduated with a B. S. degree. He later taught speech at Memphis State University. Henry was Co-Chairman of the Democratic Exec. Committee, delegate to the Democratic National Convention and Elector of the Electoral College. His insistence for fairness, justice and equality were exemplified during the civil rights movement and influenced his decision to run for congress in 1966 claiming “for every American the right to equal citizenship under the law ….equality at the polls, equality at work, equality and fairness in all human dealings. This right, this equality is required not only by the law, but by basic human morality.”
He was married to the love of his life Doris Seymour Sutton for 55 years. He had the most forgiving spirit and loved all of his family and friends unconditionally. He leaves three sons Michael Sutton and Joseph Sutton from Hollywood, CA, Franklin Sutton of Memphis, TN and daughter Frances Sutton Gutt and son-in-law Thomas Gutt of Memphis, TN. He leaves nine grandchildren Jessica Byrd Pruett (Matt), Rose Haven, MD, Joseph Alan Sutton (Monica Toney), James Sutton and Franklin Sutton of Memphis, TN, Joseph Henry Sutton, Slayde Sutton, and Shylan Sutton of Hollywood, CA, Jeffrey Byrd of Springfield, MO, Alex Gutt of Jacksonville, FL and two great-grand children Ian and Lily Pruett, Rose Haven, MD.
He is survived by his siblings, Frances Sutton Anabtawi of Groves, TX, Jerry Sutton (Barbara) of Downingtown, PA, Paul Sutton of Fresno, CA, Judy Baker, Joyce Price (Johnny), Cecil Sutton (Jeannette), and Steve Sutton of Memphis, TN.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father and two brothers Bonny Sutton and Tex Sutton.
He leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends.
Family will receive friends Wednesday, February 29 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with services Thursday, March 1 at 2 p.m. both at Family Funeral Care. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue.
In addition to flowers donations can be sent to The Kirby Pines Foundation, The Henry V. Sutton Memorial Fund, 3535 Kirby Road, Memphis, TN 38115.
Family Funeral Care 901-761-8000
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