Roy B. Sutton

Roy B. Sutton was born on September 12, 1919 to Earnest and Ella Sutton in Eagleville, Tennessee. The family moved to Evanston, Illinois where Roy was raised and attended school. His parents, a sister and four brothers all preceded him in death. Roy died peacefully on January 15, 2015 at 95.
In 1941, at the age of 21, Roy enlisted in the US Army and served as a Sargent during World War II. His decorations include: an American Defense Service Ribbon, 6 Overseas Services Bars, a Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, and an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Battle Stars. He was Honorably Discharged on June 16, 1945.
After the war, Roy moved to Chicago and attended Greer Technical Institute on the G.I. Bill where he received Machinist training and certification. He worked for General Motors(Electro Motors Div.) for 25 years. He retired in 1986.
In Roy’s own words, he “always kept himself a hustle going”. So throughout his years at GM, he also ran several other side businesses in Chicago, including a nightclub where he hired many jazz and blues greats and legends. In 1972, Roy married Gwendolyn L. Phillips in Bayside, New York. His new family included 3 new step-sons, Gordon, Tyree and Carson Phillips. They made their home in Evanston. Though the couple divorced after 7 years, Roy remained close to young Carson, and unofficially adopted him as his very own son.
In 1995, he married Amanda Hopkins and the two relocated to Rio Rancho, New Mexico. They traveled, hosted great parties, attended church, and belonged to many social and civic organizations to which they gave generously. Sadly, Amanda Hopkins-Sutton passed away in 2000.
Through it all, Roy never lost his sense of humor. He was a good man who lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed a good time and dearly loved to laugh. Memories of Roy will live on. The entertaining and colorful stories he told of people, places and things from long ago will never be forgotten.
He is survived by Carson Phillips and Carson’s wife, Vanessa Phillips. Roy also leaves behind to mourn Gordon and Tyree Phillips, a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Sutton (Adolph), of Rio Rancho, NM, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87124
505-892-9920