Category: 1974

John Earl Brandon, MD, of Gordo, Alabama, died on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the age of 74. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 5th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Skelton Funeral Home in Reform, AL. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

John is survived by his son, Walker Daniel Brandon of Gordo; his daughters, Brooke Lindsey Brandon of Denver, CO and Hannah Claire Brandon of Tracy, CA; his sister, Lynn Brandon Johnson and brother-in-law, Charles Eugene “Chuck” Johnson, Jr. of Lookout Mountain, GA; and his niece, Elizabeth Johnson Haley and her husband, Heath Haley, and their children, Harrison and Mary Brandon Haley. John was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Brandon, Jr and Marion Powell Brandon.

John grew up in Tuscaloosa, AL, graduating from Tuscaloosa High School in 1970. In 1974, he graduated from Davidson College, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1978, John completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine at the University of Alabama’s College of Community Health Sciences. John began his practice of family medicine in 1981 in Gordo, Alabama, and continued his medical career there for over 40 years.

John loved his career as a primary care physician in a small, rural community. He inspired countless other young medical residents through his teaching and leadership as the medical director of The Rural Medical Scholars Program at the University of Alabama. In 2026, the Rural Medical Scholars’ Sage Award, which is an annual honor that recognizes significant contributions to rural health, was renamed the Dr. John Brandon Award.

John joined the American Medical Association in 1979, and in 2023 he was awarded the Samual Buford Word Award, the highest honor given by the AMA in recognition of service to humanity. In addition, John was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians throughout his career.

John was instrumental in the implementation of the SMART Clinics in Pickens County, where he served as Physician Preceptor. The SMART clinics offer a full health clinic for students as well as faculty and staff in Pickens County schools. The Gordo Elementary School SMART Clinic was dedicated in honor of “Doc” in 2023.

John had a lifelong passion for Gordo Athletics and Alabama sports. He served as the team physician for Gordo High School athletics. His commitment to the Greenwave was unwavering for 45 consecutive football seasons, from 1981 to 2025. John has never missed a single Gordo High School football game, home or away, attending 548 consecutive games throughout his career as Team physician. John also served his beloved Pickens County as a member of the board of trustees of the Pickens County Medical Center, as well as 3 years as interim representative on the Pickens County Board of Education.

Davidson College honored John at his 50th class reunion in 2024, with the John W. Kuykendall Award for Community Service. This award recognizes alumni who have provided extraordinary service to their community.

For over 70 years, John was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa. Most recently, he attended the Current Issues Sunday School Class and was a member of the Perry County Mission Committee, an outreach program benefitting Perry County residents.

Honorary Pallbearers are the Chapman Family, the Herring Family, the Payne Family, Ryan Lolley, Jonathan Pate, Jim and Nancy Richardson, Bob Cunningham, Dan Thorne, Duncan Moore, Dennis Whit, John Wheat, Drake Lavender, Robert Shepherd, Ray Stewart, Gordo High School Football and Baseball Coaching Staff, Pickens County Board of Education Faculty and Staff, and Pickens County Smart Clinic Staff.

The Family extends heartfelt appreciation to Glenda Driver, and the staff of Morning Pointe of Tuscaloosa, Capstone Village Traditions Way, and Hospice of West Alabama for their loving care of John.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Gordo SMART Clinic, Attn: Amanda Newman, 535 4th Street NW, Gordo, AL 35466 or to Gordo High School Athletic Department, 630 4th Street NW, Gordo, AL 35466 or to First Presbyterian Church – Perry County Fund, 900 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 or Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.

Joseph Swaim Sutter, 74, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on February 21, 2025 in his home, cherished by his family until his last breath. He is survived by Jorene Campbell Sutter, his wife of 48 years; his children Sarah Caitlin Treharne (Andrew) and Eric Joseph Sutter; his brother John Sutter (Michelle), his sisters Julie Sutter Beals and Jan Sutter Campbell (David) and his mother Jean Swaim Sutter. Camille Beck Treharne, his favorite little pixie, and John Phillip Treharne, his number one dude, will carry the legacy of their Gramps in their hearts forever.

Born and raised in Marion, Indiana Joe lived the Hoosier dream of playing in the Indiana basketball state championship game at Hinkle Field House. He then went on to play basketball at Davidson College, leaving Indiana for the promise of warmer weather in North Carolina. As a Wildcat he forged lifelong friendships and got a taste for international culture while studying abroad in the Yucatan. His next stop brought Joe to Europe to play professional basketball in both Belgium and Switzerland. When he found himself in physical therapy to rehabilitate an injury, Joe got a glimmer of a profession that could keep him close to sports while challenging his active mind. Upon returning stateside he began the pursuit of his own 40-year career in sports medicine, which landed him in Richmond by way of Duke Physical Therapy School. Joe had a head for business and in short order moved from working as the sole physical therapist for Tuckahoe Orthopedics to founding his own practice, Tuckahoe Physical Therapy. Over the course of his career Joe expanded his business to include multiple clinics across the Richmond metro area, mentoring and partnering with younger therapists to further their careers along the way.

The story of Joe’s life is inextricably intertwined with Jorene, his best friend and love of his life. In college Joe was known for hopping in the car in the middle of the night, driving the nine hours from Davidson to Marion to squelch the madness of missing his love. When he was offered the opportunity to move to Europe he agreed, only upon the condition that Jorene could come with him. He often commented that while other couples preferred to double date on evenings out, he had no need for the company of anyone other than Jorene. His favorite pastime was going to jam band shows with her, where he was always up for a dance but rarely found himself moving in rhythm with the music. They cheered on the Hoosiers together, threw each other magnificent surprise birthday parties, enjoyed “killer purple” sunsets together and, above all, built a loving family together.

In his free time Joe always chose to be with family. He loved summer days in the pool together, playing awesome catches and water basketball. Each spring, he gathered the family to stand up and sing Back Home Again in Indiana at the beginning of the Indy 500. His grandkids always knew to call Gramps after a sporting event or a music recital to hear his encouraging feedback. When his children lived 2,000 miles away, Joe began a ritual of sending a monthly card accompanied by a gift card for groceries or gas. In those cards he included personalized newspaper clippings annotated by Dad jokes. Everyone knew his son-in-law was officially part of the family when he started receiving clippings of his own.

When he wasn’t with family, Joe was more than likely on the phone with a buddy. Friends from high school and adulthood alike enjoyed his embellished stories and gift for talking trash just to get a rise out of someone he loved. Even after his days of athletics were long over, Joe held on to his fierce competitive streak. He loved the thrill of beating a friend at pool and never backed down in a family game of Scattergories. Often teased by his family for “wheeling and dealing,” Joe jumped at the opportunity to negotiate, whether on a car lot or with a street vendor while traveling. When friends visited from out of town Joe relished playing tour guide, driving them from the West End to Carytown all the way to Church Hill, offering a history lesson of his adopted city along the way.

Joe believed that you should be grateful for what you have been given, work hard to make the most of those gifts and enjoy the life you live with the people you love. Over the course of his illness, he reiterated that he would leave this earth without regrets, knowing that every person he loved knew exactly how he felt about them. We are all so thankful for that and will keep dancing for you.

There will be a celebration of Joe’s life at the Maymont Nature Center on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. In lieu of gifts or flowers, the family asks that you speak with your doctor about genetic testing. For information about inherited cancers visit https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics.

Donald (Don) Butts died on November 26, 2024, due to complications from cancer and chemotherapy treatment.
Donald was born in Closter, New Jersey on January 13, 1952. He graduated from Davidson College with a BA in history in 1974 and earned his PhD in history from Duke University in 1978. Donald met his wife, Nancy Butts, when both were at Duke University.
Donald moved to Barnesville to teach at what was then Gordon College and remained there until his retirement in 2017. At Gordon, Donald taught several generations of students—sometimes from the same family—and was well-regarded by his students for his ability to bring the lessons of history to life. Donald loved playing golf and relished spending his Sundays at the local course, which he often referred to as “Our Lady of Deer Trail.”
He also loved the Newfoundland dogs that all of Barnesville saw him walk, morning and night, for many years. And though he would never admit it, he also loved the few cats that wandered into his yard—as proven by the fact that Donald was the one who first fed them.
Donald is survived by his son, Evan; and his three siblings, John, Bert, and Mary. Those wishing to honor Donald can send donations in his name to the Barnesville chapter of the Dolly Goodpuppy Society.
Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com. The Butts family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Highway 54 West, Fayetteville.

Gilbert “Hugh” Moore Jr, 71 of Sanford passed away Monday June 24, 2024. 

Funeral arrangements are pending. 

Hugh was the son of the late Gilbert Hugh Moore Sr and Lavonna Deel Moore. He was born on February 4, 1953, in Hampton, Virginia. As a child, Hugh and his family moved frequently for his father’s career as a salesman. Most of his childhood was spent in Charlotte and Greensboro. He graduated from Davidson College in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Following college, Hugh served as a United States Peace Corps volunteer in Iran for a year before attending law school at the University of North Carolina from 1975-1978. Hugh first practiced law in Louisburg for a short time and then moved to Sanford where he was a well-respected attorney for more than 40 years. He was devoted to his career and was passionate about working toward justice and advocating for people from all walks of life. Molly McElveen, his office manager, was his trusted right hand for nearly his entire career.

Sanford was home for Hugh, and he was actively involved in the community. He participated in many local organizations throughout his life including the Optimist Club, Haven, Friends of the Library, the Hispanic Task Force, the Lee County Board of Elections, Willing Hands, and the local Democratic party. Kiwanis Park was one of his favorite places to exercise. Hugh had a love for words and looked forward to Sanford’s annual Spelling Bee competition.

Anyone who knew Hugh knew his love for UNC and Carolina sports. Depending on the season, he could be found at Kenan Stadium, the Dean Dome, or Boshamer Stadium cheering on his beloved Tar Heels. He took sports seriously and was always in a good mood after a Carolina victory.

Family was important to Hugh, and he dearly loved his three sisters. For many summers, the Moore Family vacationed at Emerald Isle creating beautiful memories. Hugh was proud of his nieces and nephews and was a special uncle to them.

One of the greatest joys of Hugh’s life was being Elizabeth’s father. He passed on to her his love of politics, trivia, music, and travel. They shared special trips to London and Spain. Watching Elizabeth grow up brought him great pride, and he thought very highly of her husband, Stuart. In his last year of life, Hugh became a granddaddy to James, and perhaps this was his favorite title of all. James could always make his granddaddy smile and filled him with tremendous happiness.

Hugh will be remembered as a smart, humble, generous, witty person who lived life to the fullest. He made the world a better place and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Moore is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Grace Moore (Stuart Thomason) of Morrisville; grandson, James Lasater Thomason; sisters, Wanda Hunter (Tye) of Chapel Hill, Debbie MacDonald (Steve) of St Augustine, FL, and Libby Smith (Nelson) of Rocky Mount; best friend, Dr. Howard James; special friend, Laura Farmer; former wife, Virginia Moore; beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephew.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Friends Service Committee @ afsc.org; Amnesty International USA @ amnestyusa.org; or Doctors Without Borders USA @ donate.doctorswithoutborders.org.