Mr. Thomas Henry “Sandman” Sutton, Jr., was born December 6, 1948, and called to glory November 22, 2013.

He was born to the late Reverend Thomas Henry ‘Jim” Sutton, Sr. and Willie Margaret Cecil Sutton. He is preceded in death by a brother, James Louis Sutton, a sister, Rosa Mai Sutton Parson, and a grandson, Thomas Henry Sutton.

Sandman accepted Christ at an early age and became a faithful and devoted Christian member of Missionary Baptist Church, under Pastor Timothy G. Wright, where he later served as a Senior Deacon until he was called home.

Sandman was educated in the Bedford County School system and graduated Shelbyville Central High School. He entered the United States Army and served in Vietnam, receiving an honorable discharge. Sandman was a strong horse lover and was a member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Trainers Association for forty years until failing health forced him to retire.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Dorothy Ann Ransom Sutton; an aunt, Virginia King, of Shelbyville. Mr. Sutton had a great love for his mother and father in law, Mother Jean and Brother John Ransom.

Also left to cherish his memory, two loving sisters, Jimmie Lean Sutton Holland and Glinda S. Sutton Bell, both of Shelbyville; four loving daughters, Santita Makeva Sutton, devoted daughter, Cicylee V. Sutton (Deborah), Regina Johnson, (Janie), Kysa Lanier (Joanne), and Latrice Ransom, (Marcilo); a son, Kerry Ransom.

“Granddaddy Buddy” deeply loved all fifteen grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He often said children are the greatest and most valuable investment with which a person could ever be blessed.

Uncle “ Sand” was the name every nephew and niece called him when they needed an ear to listen or just someone to talk to.

He also leaves many true and devoted friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He wishes he could have written them all down, but he must mention a special devoted friend, Sandy Carroll.

Funeral services will be 12 PM Friday, November 29, 2013, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Pastor Timothy Wright will be eulogist. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Holden Cemetery.


Feldhaus Memorial Chapel assisted the family with arrangements.