William C. Sutherland

December 10, 2019
William C. Sutherland

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Beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and local optometrist for 53 years, William “Bill” Colley Sutherland, left this world Tuesday, December 10, 2019 after a brief illness. A third-generation doctor, Bill was born to Nell Smith Sutherland and Joshua Price Sutherland on August 9, 1940, in Haysi, VA.

Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts from Emory & Henry in May of 1962. From there he went to the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s of Science and Doctor of Optometry in 1966. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force for two years as an optometrist and was honorably discharged in 1968 as a 1st Lieutenant.

While he started off life as a shy young man with horn-rimmed glasses, contacts revolutionized his world, and a more outgoing Bill was born. He was always willing to help loved ones, strangers, and even animals. He was known at his practice for taking in stray cats that happened to show up at the back door. He was an avid sports fan with a special eye for the Washington Redskins and college football and basketball.

Family was the centerpiece to Bill’s life and to him family transcended bloodlines. Bill was the patriarch of his family and always ensured those he loved were supported in every way possible. Bill is survived by his wife, Wendy Hall, his children and grandchildren: Janie Sutherland Barnes, and her son, Dalton; Amy Sutherland Yaugo and her children, Emma, Anna Paige, and Benjamin; Douglas Murphy and his daughter, Madylynn; Sean Hall and his daughter, Milli; Josh Hall and Sarah Hall. He is also survived by all four of his siblings, his twin, Betty Sutherland, Joshua Price “JP”, Jr. and his wife Kathie, Emily Biddle and Franklin, along with many nieces and nephews.

Bill was predeceased by his wife, Corrie Heuvel Sutherland, on July 23, 1997.

Bill will be remembered for his kindness, his compassion, and his unswerving dedication to his patients, friends, and family. The family asks that memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Heritage Humane Society in Bill’s name.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Bucktrout Funeral Home.


Memorial

Saturday, December 21, 2019
11:00 AM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • December 15, 2019
    Hoyt Davenport says:
    Bill was a very kind and generous man. We shared lots of laughs and events together. He was a brother to me in many ways. He will be missed by many in our community.

  • December 16, 2019
    Tom & Penny Delaney says:
    We just learned of Bill's passing and are saddened at this news. He was both a neighbor and former employer. He was a good man and someone that we will miss. RIP Bill.

  • December 16, 2019
    Jo-Amrah Dillingham says:
    Bill was one of the kindest of men. I am so very thankful that he was part of my family of choice. Coming home to Wiilamsburg meant time with Bill if there wasn't a game on. Priorities. I'd have it no other way. I will always remember his sparkling eyes so full of himself and the smile that lit up a room. I will miss his hugs.

  • December 17, 2019
    Gregory Schultz says:
    I will forever remember Bill for his subtle yet effective sense of humor. I often did not know wether he was serious or making a Joke, it was often the latter. His delivery was so smooth and discreet that you didn't know if it was safe to laugh!

  • December 17, 2019
    James E Powers says:
    A true gentleman and an icon in Virginia optometry. He will be missed.