Richard Earl Sutherland

October 27, 1944 - January 2, 2021

Richard Earl Sutherland was born on October 27, 1944, in Vardaman, MS to Charles and Ruth (Criddle) Sutherland. Richard passed from this life on January 2, 2021, in Durant, OK at the age of 76. Richard attended Pine Tree Schools in Longview, TX, and worked as Operations Superintendent for WFCE until his retirement. He received a Patton for WFEC and Service Awards with SWEDCO. Richard married Wanda Louise Gouge in Hugo, OK and they were truly blessed with their blended family. They moved to Bryan County in 2018 from Hugo. Richard was of the Baptist faith and he enjoyed playing golf carding 6 holes in one, fishing, and gardening. He was a dedicated husband and loving father and Papa. His great-grandchildren called him Papa Bear. He loved teaching kids about life skills especially fishing. He always said, "If you know how to fish you'll always have food." He taught all the grandchildren how to drive. He also loved giving his kids and grandchildren a hard time and loved making memories with them even more. He was a good man that always stepped up and helped out those in need. He will be remembered with love by all those who knew him. Richard is preceded in death by son Richard Jeff Sutherland; parents Charles and Ruth Sutherland; brother David Sutherland and sisters Jackie Rhodes and Ramona Sutherland. Loving family left behind to cherish Richard’s legacy is his wife Wanda Louise Sutherland of the home; children Denise Sutherland, Andrea Holley and husband Brad and Michael Neece and wife Kindra; brother Charles Sutherland and wife Ruth; grandchildren Seth Ellis and wife Stephanie and Eric Bryan and wife Brittny, Temple Rabon, Cait Holley, Alaura Gilmore, Austin Neece, Chance Rabon, Dan Holley, Cedes Neece, Addy Rolf, Lexi Scarbrough, and Kalee Scarbrough; great-grandchildren Ashlynn Ellis, Audrey Ellis, Ryleigh Bryan, and Graycie McKinney; many nieces and nephews; long time friends Dennis and Becky Smith and many more friends. A memorial service to honor Richard will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Wanda’s home in Durant. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FHGG6BGGM46CT3BX