Jay Sutton

Douglas “Jay” Sutton entered into eternal peace on August 26, 2023 at Duke Raleigh Hospital following a valiant two-year battle with cancer.

Born on July 12, 1960, Jay was the son of Janet Jordan Sutton of Clinton and the late Billy Van Sutton. He was a 1978 graduate of Hobbton High School and attended Sampson Community College where he was president of the Student Government Association. He later transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1982. After more than two decades working in the fields of investment finance and sales/marketing, Jay embarked on a new career path. He enrolled in the Healing Arts & Massage School in Raleigh, graduating valedictorian of his class.  He then opened his own private practice in the Raleigh area, where his many devoted clients enjoyed not only his therapeutic skills, but also his humor, listening ear, pontificating, and advice.

Jay was a huge sports fan and had a special love for the UNC Tar Heels, the Houston Astros, and the Carolina Panthers. He also enjoyed golf and running and vacations at the beach.   One of his favorite pastimes was time spent with his extended family, eating, laughing and reminiscing the old times.

The two special women in his life were his wife, Candy Sutton, and his daughter, Destiny Sutton, both of whom gave him unwavering love and support as he dealt with his health issues.

Other survivors include his sister, Teresa Sutton Wolf (Paul) of Clinton and brother, William Van Sutton, Jr. (Angela) of Emerald Isle; stepsons, Ryan Stefan-Donovan and Mickey Stefan-Donovan of Raleigh as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the dedicated physicians and nurses of Duke-Raleigh Hospital Oncology Clinic and Duke Raleigh Hospital for their skill and compassion in walking with Jay’s journey through cancer treatment.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Jay’s life is planned for Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Royal Hall Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Shattuck officiating. Visitation with family and friends will be held immediately following the service.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the Duke Cancer Institute
300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1200 Durham, NC 27701 or to the charity of your choice.

Royal-Hall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sutton family. 

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