GFSEXCERPT

All condolence submissions are moderated for legitimacy and appropriateness before posting online. Your email address will not be published.
Charlie E. Sutton, age 69, passed away at his Bells Island, NC residence unexpectedly of natural causes July 7, 2026. He was born in Norfolk, VA- the beloved son of Thomas and Frances Sutton, who preceded her son in death.
Charlie was a graduate of Bayside High School in Virginia Beach- class of 1975. After his high school years, Charlie embarked on a long and successful career in ship repair. Repairing any and all types of vessels, he rose to become a respected general manager supervising hundreds of skilled ship builders. After 40 years in the marine industry, Charlie indulged in his passion for off-shore fishing and earned his master captain’s license.
Eventually Charlie’s entrepreneurial spirit and fascination with guns led him to establish the first licensed retail firearms business in Currituck County, NC. He and his wife Sandra have operated the company- Gale Force Guns for the past 15 years. In his leisure time Charlie loved his vehicle collection, his Harley Davidson bikes, and pampering his two dogs. Charlie’s drive, ambition, and work ethic made him a true success and he influenced the success of many others.
Charlie’s grieving survivors include his devoted wife of 41 years, Sandra Sutton of the Bells Island home; his son, Nicholas of Delaware; two grandchildren Neve and Kylee; his father, Thomas Sutton of Glade Spring, VA; his sister, Brenda Sutton of Bluntsville, TN; two brothers, Paul Sutton of Virginia Beach, VA and Bill Sutton of Smith Mountain Lake, VA as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, customers and coworkers. Charlie’s beloved Aunt Betty of Abingdon, VA also survives to mourn his passing yet honor his memory.
Sandra is honoring Charlie’s preference for cremation. His celebration of life service will be held Wednesday July 15, 2026 at 3 pm at Gallop Memorial Chapel in Barco, NC. Pastor Dan Bergey will officiate. Please share expressions of comfort and support at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.