Freeman “Gene” Sutton left this earthly world and entered into eternal peace on March 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Virginia Sutton; his sister, Cathy, and his brothers, Robert (Bob) and Tim Sutton.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Gene Sutton; his sister, Jackie Sutton Church; his children, Susan Cicero and Douglas Sutton (Cheryl), and his beloved grandchildren, Chelsea Sutton Ernst (Josh), Lindsay Cicero, Taylor Sutton, Ashley Cicero, Alicia Cicero, Madison Doyle (Brendon), and Peyton Bowie. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Brayden Cicero, Lucas Ernst and Charlotte Doyle, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lindsey Boone (Janice), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched.
At just 18 years old, Gene was recruited by the New York Yankees as a left-handed relief pitcher in the minor leagues and was later traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Though his baseball career was brief, it remained a proud chapter of his life. After leaving baseball, Gene made his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he began an apprenticeship as a silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg under master silversmith Bill DeMatteo. Through dedication to his craft, Gene became a master silversmith himself and later followed Mr. DeMatteo to Northern Virginia to continue his work.
In 1999, Gene and Martha moved to the Outer Banks. Gene retired from his silversmith career in 2001, but retirement did not slow him down for long. He began working at Kilmarlic Golf Course just as it was preparing to open. Over the next 20 years, he formed lasting friendships and became a familiar and friendly face to so many there. It was also there that he and Martha began enjoying the game of golf together.
Gene will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and compassionate man whose greatest joy was the people in his life. He loved his family deeply, cherished time with friends, enjoyed sports of all kinds, and carried a strong and steady faith in God. His quiet warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s memory to Dare County Special Olympics at (252) 489-5720, P.O. Box 172, Manteo, N.C. 27954.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses from Norfolk General Hospital, Outer Banks Hospital, the Cowell Cancer Center and Amedisys Hospice Care, as well as caregivers from Cornerstone Caregiving and the staff at Spring Arbor Assisted Living.
Please share a message of comfort with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., is entrusted with arrangements.