Dr. John Perry Sutton, Jr.

Dr. John Perry Sutton, Jr., 83, true renaissance man, of Columbia and Seabrook Island, died on Monday, September 12, 2022. Born in Greenville, SC, on June 11, 1939, he was the son of the late John Perry Sutton and Lillian Hughey Sutton. Dr. Sutton was a graduate of Furman University and the Medical University of South Carolina and served residencies at both MUSC and Vanderbilt Medical Center. He was a member of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Medical Association, South Carolina Medical Association, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, and South Carolina Thoracic Society where he was President from 1986-87. He was a primary mover in bringing Cardiovascular Surgery to Columbia by helping to develop the heart program at Providence Hospital. In fact, he traveled from Nashville to Columbia with a heart pump in his car. Significantly, he was inducted as the first member of the St. Luke Society, Providence Hospital’s most prestigious award. He was a long-standing member of the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) and Church of our Saviour, John’s Island, SC. Away from professional duties, Dr. Sutton enjoyed the outdoors, often fly fishing and hunting. He was an accomplished chef, avid scuba diver and sailor. He and his wife, Lauren, later enjoyed life on Seabrook Island. Much of his time was also spent at his beloved Salt Point in Moncks Corner and Screaming Eagle Hunt Club outside of Columbia. His grandchildren referred to him as “Bo,” and his devotion to his wife, son, and grandchildren was steadfast. He is survived by his wife, Lauren Chafin Sutton, of Seabrook Island, SC. Additionally, he is survived by his only son, Dr. John Perry Sutton, III (Shannon), of Columbia; and Brailsford Lacey of Greenville; and grandchildren, John “Jack” Manning Sutton, of Columbia and Sarah Brailsford Sutton, of Nashville, TN. The Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Dr. John Perry Sutton, Jr. will be celebrated at 11 o’clock on Friday, September 16th at The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), 1512 Blanding Street, Columbia. Burial will occur in the Church Memorial Garden. The family will receive friends following the service at the Palmetto Club, 1231 Sumter Street, Columbia. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to the Good Shepard Fund at The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal), 1512 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201; or to the Library Program at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, 3000 South Beltline Boulevard, Columbia, SC 29201, where his grandson Jack is Head Librarian.

Tributes

Dr. John Perry Sutton, Jr.

June 11, 1939 - September 12, 2022