Roy (Tony) Leonard Sutphin passed away peacefully at his home, with his wife by his side, at the age of 85 after bravely battling cancer. Tony was a loving husband, father, and friend who will be greatly missed. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia, and was a member of Guyton Methodist Church, where he served as a Lay Leader and Sunday School teacher.

Tony joined the military in 1957. The Virginia native and Vietnam War veteran served in the United States Marine Corps for 34 years and retired as a Sergeant Major. He was awarded three Purple Hearts, two Gold Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal—one Silver Star, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation.

During his time in the U.S.M.C., he served as a Drill Instructor, U.S.M.C Recruiter, Tactics Instructor, and NROTC Instructor, along with service in the Infantry Battalion, Infantry Regiment, Marine Air Group, and Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Roy Sutphin and Thelma Leonard Sutphin Cook; brother, Walter Dewey Sutphin; and sister, Beverly Windham.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Patricia A. Sutphin; daughters, Victoria E. Stewart (James M.), Marla A. Goss (J.R.) and Wendy S. Mathis; and his brother Thomas E. Sutphin (Linda); grandchildren, Ashley Stewart, Angel Moody, James M. Stewart, Jr. (Angela), Christopher Goss (Jenna), Matthew Goss (Nessa), Richard Mathis, III, and Rebecca Mathis; great-grandchildren, Ronen Goss, Zelda Goss, Arwen Goss, Ark Goss, James M. Stewart, III, Ethan Stewart, and Josh Stewart; special niece, Debbie Norwood; great-nephew, Sean McEvoy; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024 at Guyton Methodist Church followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m.

Interment will follow in Guyton Cemetery.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421

But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31