Kenneth Sutherland Obituary

Kenneth Daniel "Dan" Sutherland

August 4, 1940 -

May 28, 2025

GRAY - Kenneth Daniel "Dan" Sutherland, 84, of Gray, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday morning, May 28, 2025, with his loving family.

Dan was born on August 4, 1940, in Coeburn, Virginia, to Woodrow Wilson and Sylvia Stallard Sutherland. He lived a full and wonderful life defined by hard work, devotion to the Lord and his family, and a strong sense of community.

A retired truck driver of 30 years, Dan was well known over the road by his CB handle "Slewfoot." His time behind the wheel from 1968 to 1998 was more than a job-it was a career built on dedication, meeting new people, picking up random things out of the road, and pride in his work.

Dan was a longtime and faithful member of Gray United Methodist Church, Sinking Creek Masonic Lodge #575 and Nolichuckey-Grandview Chapter of Eastern Star of over 50 years. He was a charter member of the Gray Volunteer Fire Department and also enjoyed volunteering to park cars at the lodge hall and helping during the Appalachian Fair each year. He was a simple man who had a love for people, going on adventurous hunting trips, fishing, camping, making apple butter, piddling, and simple pleasures like a Dairy Queen hot dog.

Dan is survived by his caregiver, best friend and beloved wife of 65 years, Janice Holbrook Sutherland; daughter, Gail (Dale) Stoops of Gray, TN; and son, Mike (Debbie) Sutherland of Johnson City, TN. He was a proud grandfather to Stefanie (Jeff) Gustafson of Chesapeake, VA; Garrett Reed of Chesapeake, VA; Heather (Brett) Butler of Limestone, TN; and Grant (Laura) Sutherland of Johnson City, TN. He also leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren that he adored: Corbin, Brayden, Jocelyn, Brooklyn, London, Eden, Wyatt, Wilson, Heidi, Lucy, Ridge, and Hadley.

He is also survived by his brother, Pete (Ruth) Sutherland; sister, Libby (Joe) Holbrook; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Lyda Holbrook, and sisters-in-law, Joy Rudder and Sue Sutherland.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Ray Sutherland, brother-in-law, Troy Holbrook, and his great-grandson, Boston Reed.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Holbrook, Garrett Reed, Grant Sutherland, Jeff Gustafson, Brett Butler, and Dale Stoops.

Honorary Pallbearers include Wayne Almany, Don Hall, Gale Keebler, and H.C. Burton.

Special thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Amedisys Hospice, Amelia and Lori, and caregivers, Tracey and Carrie, for their great care over the last two years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gray Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 8111, Gray, TN 37615.

To know Dan was to love him. He will be remembered for his kind heart, steady presence, his smile, and his willingness to help anyone at anytime, a true servant. Never meeting a stranger or speaking an unkind or angry word, he leaves behind a legacy of love for the Lord and his family and friends until we see him again.

"Well done my good and faithful servant.."Matthew 25:21

Funeral services for Dan will be conducted at 4:00 PM Saturday, May 31, 2025 in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City with the Rev. Donnie Humphreys officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour. Burial will follow in the Gray Cemetery.

This obituary was lovingly written by his family.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Sutherland family. 423-928-6111