Freeman "Gene" Sutton
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      Freeman "Gene" Sutton

      March 6, 2026

      Freeman “Gene” Sutton left this earthly world and entered into eternal peace on March 6, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman and Virginia Sutton; his sister, Cathy; and his brothers, Robert (Bob) and Tim Sutton.

      He is survived by his wife, Martha Gene Sutton; his sister, Jackie Sutton Church; his children, Susan Cicero and Douglas Sutton (Cheryl); and his beloved grandchildren, Chelsea Sutton Ernst (Josh), Lindsay Cicero, Taylor Sutton, Ashley Cicero, Alicia Cicero, Madison Doyle (Brendon), and Peyton Bowie. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Brayden Cicero, Lucas Ernst and Charlotte Doyle, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lindsey Boone (Janice), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends whose lives he touched.

      At just 18 years old, Gene was recruited by the New York Yankees as a left-handed relief pitcher in the minor leagues and was later traded to the Baltimore Orioles. Though his baseball career was brief, it remained a proud chapter of his life. After leaving baseball, Gene made his home in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he began an apprenticeship as a silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg under master silversmith Bill DeMatteo. Through dedication to his craft, Gene became a master silversmith himself and later followed Mr. DeMatteo to Northern Virginia to continue his work.

      In 1999, Gene and Martha moved to the Outer Banks. Gene retired from his silversmith career in 2001, but retirement did not slow him down for long. He began working at Kilmarlic Golf Course just as it was preparing to open. Over the next 20 years, he formed lasting friendships and became a familiar and friendly face to so many there. It was also there that he and Martha began enjoying the game of golf together.

      Gene will be remembered as a kind, gentle, and compassionate man whose greatest joy was the people in his life. He loved his family deeply, cherished time with friends, enjoyed sports of all kinds, and carried a strong and steady faith in God. His quiet warmth, humor, and generous spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

      A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 22 at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gene’s memory to Dare County Special Olympics at (252) 489-5720 / PO Box 172, Manteo, NC 27954.

      The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses from Norfolk General Hospital, Outer Banks Hospital, the Cowell Cancer Center and Amedisys Hospice Care, as well as caregivers from Cornerstone Caregiving and the staff at Spring Arbor Assisted Living.

      Please share a message of comfort with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. is entrusted with arrangements.

        OUR HISTORY

        The Nags Head Chapel and Company Headquarters

        Nags Head Chapel

        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.

        The Barco Memorial Chapel - Currituck

        Barco Chapel

        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.

        Capital Crematory

        Capital Crematory

        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.

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