Obituary of Orville Sutherland

Orville Dean Sutherland 82 of Roanoke celebrated his homecoming on Monday, January 27, 2014. He was born in Elk Creek, Virginia January 12, 1932, to the late Kelly and Lana Sutherland. His parents, as well as his sister, Doris Mays, preceded him in death. After high school graduation, Dean served four years in the Air Force during the Korean War, being stationed in Japan for eighteen months. Eight days after his return, he married Alice Rose Herndon. Dean and Alice celebrated their 60th year anniversary on January 16th. He was proud of his two children, Sharon (and her husband Peery) and Ron (and his wife Terri), as well as his four grandchildren, Jonathan and Allison, and Erin and Evan. His work years were spent at Galax Mirror Company, Johnson Carper, Singer Furniture Company, Sawyer Furniture Company, and Cooper Wood Products, from which he retired in 1997. His leisure years were spent snow-birding at Venice, Florida, and traveling. A particular highlight was treating his children and grandchildren to a cruise in 2012. He was a charter member of Shenandoah Baptist Church where he practiced the Biblical axiom, "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might." Dean had many wonderful friends. Their companionship delighted him in times of health, and their prayers strengthened and buoyed him in times of sickness. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Camp Eagle Ministry or to the faith promise offering at Shenandoah Baptist Church. A graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2014 in Evergreen Burial Park. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at Shenandoah Baptist Church 6520 Williamson Road Roanoke, Va. by Pastor Robert L. Alderman and Pastor David Fraser. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707