Richard Louis Sutton

A celebration of Life will be held for Rev. Dr. Richard L. Sutton Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1220 Carmichael Street, Malvern, Ark. with The Right Reverend Samuel Lawrence Green Sr. Presiding Bishop of the Twelfth Episcopal District Eulogist and the Rev. Dr. Clarence H. Guy Jr. Presiding Elder of the Hot Springs District officiating. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery with services provided by Brandon's Mortuary, Inc. Dr. Sutton was born May 9, 1950 in Malvern, Arkansas to the late Henry Louis Sutton and Ollie Q. Smith Sutton. He was a member of First Baptist Church Vine Street before moving his membership to Bethel A.M.E. Church. In June of 1999 Richard accepted a calling into the ministry at Bethel African Methodist Church. He was a 1968 Honor graduate of Malvern, High School and a graduate of Henderson State University where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He served in various positions in and around the community and was presently serving as Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Malvern, Arkansas. Richard was Administrator of the Garland County Department of Health and Human Services. In Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He also served as Worshipful Master of St. Luke Lodge #23 and was also a former District Deputy Grand Master, a former member of Haggi Chapter #130 Holy Royal Arch Mason, Malvern Arkansas, St. Boyd Consistory #201 in Washington, Arkansas, Mohammed Temple #34 in Little Rock, Arkansas and Various other organizations. He is survived by his Church family, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Friday, November 7, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church 1220 Carmichael Street, Malvern, Arkansas with Masonic Rites at 6 p.m. Online guest book at http://www.brandonsmortuary.com.