Marion County GaArchives Obituaries.....Sutherland, William Dee "Toodles" January 20, 2024
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jean Frost http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00025.html#0006103 January 29, 2024, 5:13 pm

Way-Watson Funeral Home BVGAPosted Jan 2024

1954 "Toodles" 2024

William Dee Sutherland
April 8, 1954 — January 20, 2024
Buena Vista, Georgia
Emblem
Mr. William Dee Sutherland, 69, of Buena Vista, passed away on January 20, 2024. 
A Celebration of Life for
the Sutherland brothers will be held at 3:00PM on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 
Mount Carmel Baptist Church.

Mr. Sutherland was born April 8, 1954 in Cherry Point, NC to Layton D. and Irma 
Fay Ragan Sutherland. During his life, he lived in Hawaii, Anaheim, CA, Munford, 
TN, and moved around Georgia a bit before settling in Buena Vista. Will traveled 
half of the world and at least 98% of the United States several times through 
his dad’s time in the Marines, his own time in the Navy, family travels and his 
time as a truck driver. After his time in the Navy he achieved his Associates 
Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Will did his best to excel in any 
position he found himself working whether it was as a multi-restaurant manager 
to a dishwasher or a substitute teacher to a truck driver.  On June 6, 1975, 
Will and Betse married for the first time. Not counting a few breaks they would 
have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this year.  During his time in 
Hiawassee he served as a scout leader and Will and Betse donated the chimes in 
the Church by the Hiawassee Hardware. Will was a man of many names.  In high 
school he was known as “Smiley”. As a Navy Corpsman he was known as “Doc”. Many 
knew him as “Santa” where he always tried to point people back to Christ. To 
those who knew him best he was called by his grandpa name “Toodles”, which was 
inspired by the character from the movie “Hook” but developed further with the 
introduction of Mickey’s Clubhouse and the character who had all the tools 
needed to help complete the tasks at hand.

Will had his ups and downs during the first half of his life.  After a vivid 
Paul-like encounter with Jesus Christ he became an entirely different man.  His 
joy was finding new or fresh ways to help others meet Christ and deepen their 
relationship with God.  He loved to ask people questions to make them think.  He 
always had a smile and a kind or encouraging word to say. He had a servant’s 
heart and loved to help others.  For about the past 20 years he has enjoyed 
retirement, been active in the lives of his 11 grandbabies, and diligently 
sought to strengthen his love and knowledge of His Savior Jesus.  He was an 
active member and leader in Mount Carmel Baptist Church and enjoyed spending 
time at the Buena Vista Senior Center. In addition to his parents he was 
preceded in death by his son, Kevin Sutherland, and three brothers, De Wayne 
Sutherland, Roger Dale Sutherland, and Roy Sutherland. 

Survivors include his wife, Betse Sutherland of Buena Vista; two daughters, 
Heather Raulston and her husband, Shaun and Cassie Humphrey and her husband, 
Vernon, all of Buena Vista; eleven grandchildren, Christopher Humphrey, Lyza 
Raulston, Ian Raulston, James Forsyth, Aza Raulston, Ragan Raulston, Lexi 
Humphrey, Uzziah Raulston, Ezra Raulston, Kevin Humphrey and Zipporah Raulston; 
a sister, Laurie Sutherland (Vince Stockwell) of Washington; as well as several 
nieces and nephews.

Will had developed the habit of keeping an envelope on him with a $5 bill and 
some Bible scriptures in case he had someone approach him in need.  The family 
is asking anyone seeking to keep “Toodles” memory alive to do the same. They are 
lovingly calling this project “Toodlopes”.  If you have any questions about this 
project please contact his wife Betse at 478-508-2207.

Way-Watson Funeral Home of Buena Vista, GA, has been entrusted with the 
arrangements.


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