Charles Ralph Sutherland age 86 , a lifelong resident of Elk Creek passed away at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on  Sunday November 7, 2021.

Ralph was born in Comers Rock on November 13, 1934 to Bert and Hazel (Hall) Sutherland.

He proudly served his country in the US Army.

Ralph was adored by his family and the witness of how he lived his life and concern for others has left a deep impact on many. When giving advice he would frequently point out that if you put God first, everything else would work out. Ralph was always concerned more for others than himself, even in the suffering he endured up to his passing. Ralph received Christ as his Savior as a child at Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Comers Rock.

He is survived by his wife Patsy Cannoy Sutherland of Elk Creek, Virginia; sons and daughters-in-law Jeff and Melissa Sutherland of Mooresville, North Carolina; Greg and Connie Sutherland of Chattanooga, Tennessee; Wes and Crystal Sutherland of Wilmington, North Carolina; sisters and brothers-in-law Peggy and Colen Haga; Sarah and Frank Cox all of Independence, Virginia; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and his dog.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 3:00 PM in the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gleasanna Dixon, his children and family officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 2:00 PM until time for the funeral service at the church.

He will surely be missed but we know he is with Jesus.