April 22, 2025, 80, Goldsboro —
Denny Gray Sutton, age 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, surrounded by the deep love and presence of his family.
Born in Wayne County, Denny was the son of the late Lloyd and Gertrude Sutton. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Cleo Sutton and his wives, Mary Lee and Louise; T.O. Sutton and wife, Ann; Cloyce Sutton; Evelyn Sutton; Carolyn Sutton Price and husband, Jim; and Mamie Ruth Sutton Burnett and husband, Buddy.
A 1963 graduate of Goldsboro High School, Denny was a proud member of the storied “Earthquakes” class. He served as captain of both the marching band under the direction of John Thompson and the baseball team under Coach George Whitfield. Music and leadership would become guiding themes throughout his life.
Denny’s lifelong love story began when he married Linda Marie Daniels, the love of his life, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a legacy of faith, family, and service.
Denny’s musical journey began as one of the original members of the Spectaculars Band, where he played for 15 years. His passion for gospel music led him to sing for 16 years with the Watchmen Quartet, before founding and performing for 21 years with The Royal Descendants as their beloved tenor. He was admired for his beautiful voice, which brought comfort and inspiration to many. A member of the East Coast Gospel Music Association, Denny was humbled to receive numerous accolades over the years, including Male Tenor and Male Quartet awards, as well as the prestigious Living Legend Award from the Eastern North Carolina Quartet Convention. He was also inducted into the East Coast Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
His faith was the cornerstone of his life. A member of New Hope Friends Meeting for over 60 years, Denny faithfully served as choir director for 35 years. He also served as an elder, president of the Friends Fellowship Class and the Men’s Club, and participated on numerous committees, always using his gifts to reflect the love of God to others.
Professionally, Denny dedicated 39½ years of loyal service to Waukesha Electric in Goldsboro, where he was respected by colleagues and friends alike.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center of New Hope Friends Church. A service to celebrate Denny’s life will follow at 3:00 p.m. Interment will be in New Hope Friends Cemetery.
Denny is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Daniels Sutton; sons, Alan Sutton and wife, Jeannie, and David Sutton and wife, Shay; granddaughters, Meagan Sutton, Jenna Sutton, Mallory Sutton Lafollette and husband, Seth, and Abby Sutton; and great-grandson, Jack Lafollette. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lorraine Sutton, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice, including Holly Hardee, Adam Combs, Kelly Dawson, Ayana Tucker, and Kurtis Durham. Your love, care, and compassion are unmatched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the ministries of New Hope Friends Meeting (4451 U.S. Hwy 70 East, Goldsboro, NC 27534), The First Church (1100 The First Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534), or Connect Church (1250 Middle Creek Road, Sevierville, TN 37862).
Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
Denny’s life was a song of praise—one that echoed through every role he filled: husband, father, grandfather, friend, and faithful servant of Christ. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.
