He was born to the late Willie and Florence Sutton July 14, 1932.

Deacon Willie Sutton loved his church. Saint Rest Holiness Church is where Willie became deacon and held that position until his passing.

He began work at an early age as a farmer in the Seven Springs area. 

Just before moving back to Dudley, NC he started his career in carpentry at Patelos Door Factory of Goldsboro, NC, where he worked for more than 30 years.

Willie Sutton was a well-known person, who would go out and make a dollar. He began a side job selling wood, which earned him the name "Wood Man."

Deacon Willie also expanded his employment into the world of Avon. Again he developed the name "Avon Man."

After his retirement, he started work at WAGES (Wayne Active Group for Economic Solvency Inc.).

In addition to his mother and father, Deacon Willie is preceded in death by two sisters, Florine Best and Bessie Mae Sutton; two brothers, Walter Bell Sutton and J.C. Sutton: two sons, Willie Ray Sutton and Raymond Earl Whitfield; and a nephew, Roger Lee Sutton.

Those surviving him include wife, Laddie Mae Sutton; daughter, Mary Anette Bizzell; two sons, Charles Jay and Eric Sutton; along with a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.