Mr. Douglas MacArthur Sutton

Douglas MacArthur Sutton, 84, of Sumner went home to be with his Lord on March 29, 2026, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 in the First Baptist Church of Sylvester. Reverend Donnie Duncan will officiate and the eulogy will be given by Garrett Rippy, Mr. Sutton's grandson. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the Service Hour at First Baptist Church. A private family burial will follow after the service. Pallbearers will be Mark Daniel, Butch Jenkins, Ross Powell, Tim Sumner, Tommy Sumner, and Kerry Underwood. Mr. Sutton was born on January 8, 1942, to the late Arnold and Edna B. Sutton. A lifelong resident of Worth County, Mr. Sutton farmed for over twenty years and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after twenty years of service. During his time with the Postal Service, he developed lifelong friendships with the people on his route getting to know families, assisting elderly residents, and exchanging daily greetings. He was affectionately known as "Mail Mack" by those on his route. Mr. Sutton taught RAs for many years and coached numerous ball teams, including the RA State Championship Softball team in 1980. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Sylvester and had previously served as a Deacon. Mr. Sutton was a member of the Lions Club, Cattleman's Association, and served as a County Commissioner. He loved to spend time with his family and especially adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was affectionately called Papa by them, and he always had time for special adventures with all of them. While he was able, he attended every dance recital and ballgame. He could be heard from the stands and sidelines cheering wildly, offering unsolicited advice, and keeping the referees on their toes. Mr. Sutton loved spending time outdoors, and he enjoyed sharing the bounty of his carefully maintained garden with this friends and neighbors. He was known for his outgoing personality and generous spirit, and he always had time to help others in his community. He graduated from Sumner HIgh School in 1960 where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Judy Powell Sutton. Together they celebrated 64 years of marriage. In addition to his wife, survivors include his three children, Douglas MacArthur Sutton, Jr. of Toccoa; Natalie Sutton Rippy (Bob) of Tifton; and Megan Sutton Lightfoot (Tony) of Valdosta; grandchildren, Garrett Rippy of Greenville, NC; Ali Rippy Turner (Matthew) of Valdosta; Tyler and Ryan Lightfoot of Valdosta; and great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Marianne Turner of Valdosta; siblings, Glenda Danile and Vonnie Newell (Tommy). In addition to his parents, Mr. Sutton was preceded in death by a brother, Lenwood Sutton; and a sister Joan Underwood. The family expresses deep appreciation to Phoebe Hospice, and especially to his friends, Jerri Pate, Doug Roy, and Rick and Lynn Bridges, who assisted in his recent care. Banks Funeral Home in Sylvester is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Douglas MacArthur Sutton

January 8, 1942 - March 29, 2026