Raymond B. Sutton, son of Mrs. James Stephenson, of Memphis, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Gray, of Brighton, was killed in France on October 24. The news of his death reached the family through a letter from his friend and comrade, Harry L. Witt, to his paternal grandfather, Mr. W. C. Sutton, of Gates. The letter, which shows the fine feeling of our soldier boys towards each other, follows:
Mr. W. C. Sutton, Gates, Tenn.
Dear Friend and Neighbor – Will you accept these few lines of regret from me, as I want to help you and your dear family share your sorrow. Raymond B. Sutton, your noble grandson, was killed on duty at the front on October 24, 1918, and was, buried on October 25. Mr. Sutton, Raymond was buried by his comrades, and was taken care of like a brother. He was buried in coffin. There was no mother earth to fall on his face. We have also a monument for him to mark his resting place. We should not grieve our hearts for Raymond, nor he would not have us to. If he could he would say today, “Grieve not for me, for I am resting and watching for you.”
Raymond’s war is over now. No more longing for him now for home and loved ones. He sleeps with the heroes here in France, where I too, may some day find rest if God in heaven wills. Raymond never suffered one minute. He never knew what hit him, though it was only a small would of the skull.
I will close now, with a sad heart. Ever your friend, HARRY L. WILLS
Raymond B. Sutton and Harry L. Witt volunteered for service in the early days of the war, and were among the first to leave Memphis for the front. He was placed in an ambulance corps and sent to France along with the first of the volunteer boys.
Besides his grandparents and his mother mentioned above, he leaves a younger brother, Clyde Sutton, and his stepfather, Mr. James Stephenson of Memphis. Thus is added another name to the lengthening list of heroes who made the supreme sacrifice to purchase liberty for us and for humanity. (The Covington Leader, Dec. 5, 1918)