October 9, 2025, 73, Goldsboro —-
The Reverend Judson Clayton Sutton, 73, was welcomed into the loving embrace of his Savior on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home in Calypso, surrounded by his devoted family.
Affectionately known as Clayton, he was the son of the late Ambert Clayton Sutton and Doris Mangum Quinn.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 54 years, Sue Grady Sutton; his son, Danny Sutton and wife, Jennifer; and his two precious granddaughters, Olivia and Sadie Sutton, who lovingly called him Papa. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Hudson and husband, Mike; aunts, Gaynelle Ship and husband, Melvin, Janet Sutton, Jean Sutton, and Janice Sutton; sisters-in-law, Wanda Grady Long and husband, Chuck, and Sybil Grady Merkison.
Additionally, Clayton is survived by many loving nieces and nephews: Lee Hudson; Jay Hudson and his children, Lyla, Maddox, and Belle; Joy Holland and her daughter, Amithy; Renee Strickland and husband, Charlie; Michelle Mangum and husband, Todd; Michelle Tillman and husband, Neil; Ashley Wheeler and wife, Deanna, and their children, Brady, Lane, and Lizzy; and Melissa Holland and her children, Austin and Carter. He was also faithfully accompanied by his beloved canine companion, Gracie, who remained by his side until the very end.
In addition to his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by his stepfather, Leroy Quinn; his sisters and their husbands, Judy Holland, Betty Flemming and husband Jimmy, and Faye Baker and husband Tommy; as well as nephews Jim Holland and John Flemming; and a great-nephew, Kemper Hudson.
A graduate of the North Duplin High School Class of 1970, Clayton went on to earn his associate’s degree from Mount Olive College. He began his career at Young Squire and later worked in the hog industry with Murphy Family Farms before answering God’s call to ministry. For more than 30 years, he faithfully served as a pastor, shepherding several congregations, including Hoods Grove Baptist Church and Pinkney Missionary Baptist Church.
Clayton was deeply committed to his community. He served more than 20 years as a fireman with the Calypso Volunteer Fire Department and was an active member of the Calypso Jaycees. He was also a dedicated member of Calypso Presbyterian Church, where he served in many roles. In later years, he and his family worshiped at Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
A service to celebrate his life of Christian service will be held Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Mount Olive First Pentecostal Holiness Church, with interment to follow in Calypso Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Tyndall Funeral Home, and at other times at the Sutton residence in Calypso.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations in Mr. Sutton’s memory may be made to Calypso Fire Department, P.O. Box 367, Calypso, NC 28325, c/o Roger Davis; or The Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St., Oxford, NC — a place especially dear to Clayton’s heart, as he resided there for several formative years during his youth
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and their wonderful staff, especially Nikki Wolfe and Jordan McCullen. They brought great care, compassion, and comfort to the Sutton family during this difficult time.
“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21
