Robert Holt Sutton, Sr.

Robert Holt Sutton, Sr., 86, gently slipped into heaven on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Brookdale Burlington Memory Care, surrounded by his family.  He was born in Davie County, NC on March 21,1938 to Carl Holt Sutton, Jr. and Evella Naomi Booe Sutton, both deceased. 

   He is survived by his daughters, Susan Sutton, of Burlington, Carley Sutton, of Southern Pines and a son, Graham Sutton (Jessica), of Belleville, IL, and daughter-in-law Lisa Sutton, of Burlington. He was blessed to have four grandchildren, Lucas Howard (Carol) of Burlington, Molly Flores (Brian), of San Antonio TX, Nia Sutton Laton, of Southern Pines and Alina Sutton, of Belleville, IL. He was quadruply blessed to add four great-grandchildren to the mix:  Emma Grace Flores and Ezra Christopher Flores, of San Antonio, TX and Shepherd Holt Howard and Selah Mercy Mae Howard, of Burlington. He was preceded in death by his first-born, beloved son, Robert Holt Sutton, Jr. who was gone far too soon. By most all of his grand and great-grand descendents, he was affectionately called ‘Papa’ or ‘PapaRoo’.

   Robert was raised as the middle child and only boy in a household of 4 sisters; Joanna Sutton Brown Thompson (deceased), Martha Sutton May, Judith Sutton Wright Calloway and Donna Sutton. He complained about them harassing him and forcing him to wear their hand-me-downs!  He was adored by many nieces and nephews, all of whom, at one time or another was lovingly called “Green Weinie!” 

   Robert was an incredibly intelligent and talented man. He graduated from Altamahaw Ossipee High School in 1956 and Elon College with a degree in mathematics in 1962. He began his teaching career at the Technical Institute of Alamance. He later received many certifications that allowed him to be instrumental in starting computer science departments at 4 different community colleges: Florence-Darlington Technical Education Center, Rockingham Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College and Sandhills Community College. Through his teaching years, and many accolades, Robert gave God all the glory for giving him the talents and gifts to be successful in his chosen career.

   Robert was an avid golfer, playing well for many years. At the age of 71, he shot a 71 (for those non-golfers…that’s really, really impressive).  In 1999, he made a Hole in One on the 17th green at the Meadowlands Golf Course. His family found it telling that he only passed after the completion of the 2024 Masters tournament.

    A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Lowe Funeral Home in the chapel at 11 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Pastor Jacob Danieley will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 9:45 to 10:45 prior to the service at Lowe Funeral Home. Immediately following the funeral, a burial service will be held at Bethlehem Christian Church cemetery. At other times, the family will be at the home of his daughter, Susan Sutton.

    The family is in the grip of grief at the loss of this incredible, hilarious, loving, generous man. They covet your prayers for comfort from the Lord in the wake of this indescribable loss. But more than anything, Robert is in the eternal glory of his Savior, and for that they are assured with the hope that, as believers in Christ, one day they will see him again.

    Considering the immense support the family has received from hospice, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to AuthoraCare Collective, 914 Chapel Hill Rd, Burlington, NC 27215 or Westside Fellowship, PO Box 455 Elon, NC 27244

You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.