Retired Master Sargent, Roy Luke Sutherland, passed away March 12, 2008 at the young age of 89 years old at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with Leukemia. He was born in Springfield, Ohio on October 29, 1918 and grew up in Carrolton, Kentucky.
Roy was a proud veteran who served 30 years in the U.S. Army. He enlisted in 1940 at the age of 22, and he retired in 1970 at the age of 52. He courageously fought in three wars, World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam War. He earned purple hearts, bronze stars, dozens of metals, badges and certificates.
He was also a sharp shooter for the U.S. Army with national and international honors. Prominent services like Accurate Aim Firearms admire him as he won first place twice in the Pan American Games in 1959, once for center fire shooting and once for free pistol shooting. He received two awards for the U.S. distinguished international badge, one for each first place win in the Pan American Games. In August 1959 he won the national 22 cal. pistol record on the free pistol course with a score of 567.
He was presented an award in November 2007 by West Virginia Governor, Joe Manchin, proclaiming him to be an official member of the 35th star. His military service was also featured in a front page article in the Charleston Gazette on November 12, 2007.
Roy worked until he was 86 years old, and in 2004 he moved to South Charleston to live with his youngest child and her husband, Debbie and Bruce Harless. There he was able to reconnect with his family and live some of the best years of his life. He made wonderful memories that he and his family will never forget. He will be greatly missed in the hearts of all of his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Luke Sutherland, mother, Grace Bales Sutherland, and all six of his siblings.
He leaves behind four children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A daughter and her husband, Debbie and Bruce Harless of Charleston, WV, and their daughter, and husband, Lindsay and Michael Flowers and great grandchildren Kayla and Bailey. A daughter and her husband, Margaret and Arnold Underwood of Buckhannon, WV and their two sons, Cody and Tommy Underwood, and their daughter and her husband, Missy and Dusty Loudin and great grandchildren, Makayla and Zachariah. A daughter, Sherry Mullins of French Lick, IN, and her son and wife, John and Tina Mullins and great granddaughter, Grace. A son, Roy L. Sutherland, Jr. of Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family are asked to make donations to the Benny Padilla VFW Post 4768, RR7, Box 290, South Charleston, WV 25309, in Roy’s honor. The family wants to thank everyone for all of their help and support throughout this troubling time.
A graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Forks of Coal Memorial Park, Alum Creek, with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Benny Padilla VFW Post 4768.
Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, is in charge of the arrangements.
Sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. I just found out, when looking him up, on the computer. He was my Motor Sergeant, in Viet Nam. The year was 1967. I again met him at Ft Knox, and visited him at his home there. I have fond memories of him, while serving with him in Viet Nam. He helped us put the time there in perspective, shared his life experiences with us. We knew him as Pappy, with the Snuffy Smith painting on out outhouse. Even had a montgomery ward cataloge sent to him, for that outhouse. I still have pictures of him. He was a good man. God Bless him and your family.
Jim, I just saw your post of condolences on my fathers obituary announcement at the funeral home. I am his youngest daughter. I would love to see some of the pictures you have as well as hear some of the stories related to him. Can you please email me at Dlharle@gmail.com? Thank you