Paul Sutton Obituary

Paul Brown Sutton

December 29, 2025

Who is that masked live cowboy in East Tennessee from the 1960's on WJHL? As Johnny Colt, he sang folk music on WJHL TV in Johnson City. Paul Brown Sutton, 86, went to be with his wife, Evelyn, and the Lord Jesus on Monday, December 29, 2025. Sutton began his life in Pittsburgh, PA from deceased parents, Paul and Nellie Grace. His Christian faith in early life started in Presbyterian churches, singing gospel hymns to last attending Seaside Fellowship in Beaufort, South Carolina where he guided civil war historical tours and sang several songs on an album. Sutton ended well with loved ones surrounding this courageous man that conquered many a horse, bear, snakes, raccoon, bees and rickety old houses. He lived a life full of variety in farming, tourism, construction, property management, forestry, creative art, storytelling, and entertainment. Milligan College was his alma mater where he met his wife and started a professional career in music in late 1950's by winning a contest to play with Bonnie Lou and Buster Moore. Sutton played his Martin guitar and sang with several artists. June Carter & the Carter Family, James Brown were others that he performed with to entertain audiences. Holding a tune better than Willie Nelson in folk music, Sutton played guitar and sang the song "Lucy" on his single-45 record. In Nashville, he accomplished years as a writer and editor with The Tennessee Conservationist, promoting Tennessee tourism in other roles. He chose the family entrepreneurial life with four surviving children Renee Sutton (Chris Maslyar), Evelene Stevenson, Paulette Biggers (Glen), and Paul Beryl Sutton, Jr.; seven grandchildren (Jacob, April, Brady, Harley, Dalton, Rebekah, Zachary); eight great grandchildren; eight nieces & nephews from three deceased sisters Beryl, Sally, and Cherie; sister in-law Hilda; sister-in-law Sue (Jimmy); brother in-law Michael. He precedes the many local Banner in-law cousins that adopted him into the East Tennessee culture that he fell in love with and called home. Telling many mountain stories, you might have seen him singing with the birds on his screen porch. Even in his final days, he continued to keep the neighborhood nature friends well fed. We are grateful and thankful for all those that assisted with his care for the past 28 months. Please join in celebration of his life by sharing your favorite memory with the family on Friday, Jan 16 at Valley Funeral Home 5-7pm at 1085 North Main Ave, Erwin, TN. In addition, the celebration will continue at Embreeville United Methodist Fellowship Hall, 4026 Highway 81 South, Jonesborough, TN on Sat. Jan 17 with 10-11 am visitation followed by a service, officiated by Deacon Roy Leonard (son-in-law) and Lt. Jacob Leonard (grandson). Valley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Paul Brown Sutton. These arrangements have been entrusted to Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650. (423) 743-9187