Bill Lambert Suttles

Bill “Bud” Lambert Suttles, age 89, of Marion, North Carolina, held the unique honor of being the most senior male member of Greenlee Baptist Church. Late Friday afternoon, March 16, 2018,  unexpectedly at Bill’s home in Pleasant Gardens, his beloved Lord and Savior said “Come Home, Son” and Bill immediately left to join his heavenly family. A native of McDowell County, Bill was born on November 27, 1928 to the late William and Eula Mae Gouge Suttles.

One of Bill’s greatest loves was the Blue Ridge Parkway. He worked for National Parks and helped build the Service Station at Crabtree Meadows and manage it for several years before being transferred to CoosBay(Everglades) Florida There he received Military Draft Notice and decided to join the Navy. Bill served in the Philippines, Naval Crash Fire and Rescue, during the Korean Conflict, he completed his naval service with the 11th naval district in San Diego, California. He was extremely proud to serve his country. Having worked in Millwork and Carpentry for many years. In July of 1986 Bill received his California General Building Contractors License and founded Suttles Enterprises. After retiring in 1992. He and his wife traveled all over the lower 48 states plus Alaska and Hawaii. In 2006 he returned home to his Blue Ridge Mountains.

He was a very active person for many years.  He loved fishing, golfing, square dancing and camping and traveling.  A member of the Fraternal order of Elks #1826. Bill was extremely proud of his four children and his Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were a JOY to his life. 

Left behind to cherish his memories are his loving wife of sixty-two years, Betty Jo Suttles; four children, William Eric Suttles (Valerie), Gayle Rene Suttles-Brown (William Robert), Kevin Wayne Suttles (Joan) and Jeffrey Alan Suttles (Natalie); five grandchildren, Nathan Charles (Danae) of Dillingham, Alaska, Ariel Suttles Johnson (Sander IV) of Anchorage, Alaska, Katelyn Marie Pinning (Michael) of La Mesa, California, Sierra Cheyenne and Dustin Phinon Suttles of Lakeside, California. Also surviving Bill are five great-grandchildren, Aiden, Zachary and Lyle Johnson of Anchorage, Alaska and Thomas and Addison Suttles of Dillingham,Alaska; one sister, Willie Mae Williams (James) and one brother, J.B. Suttles, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 22, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m at Greenlee Baptist Church. A funeral service, with military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Reverends Jonathan Tipper and Jack Sammons officiating. 

Burial will  be on Friday March 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, North Carolina.