Thomas Milton Dutton

Thomas Milton Dutton, age 84, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011. Born in Brunswick County on May 19, 1927, he was the son of the late George Dutton and Mary Marlowe Dutton. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Inez Ward. Milton was an honorably-discharged WWII Navy veteran, a 32nd degree Mason with the Corinthian Lodge 230, and a Deacon at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church. As a young man, he performed and recorded with his family as the Dutton Family Singers. Later he won awards as the bass singer with the gospel group Eastern-Aires and the barbershop quartet the Hemidemisemiquavers. He was also a founding member of the Rocky Mount Barbershop Chorus. Past president of the North Carolina Tire Retreaders Association, Milton owned and operated Carolina Tire Company. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 60 years, Grace Blanton Dutton; two sons, Terry Dutton and Tim Dutton and wife Laura; daughter, Miriam Dutton and husband Jeff Viverette; grandchildren, Chase Dutton, Brynn Dutton, Will Dutton, Grace Viverette and Claire Viverette; and step-granddaughter, Grey Edwards. He will also be remembered by his siblings, Deward Dutton, Jewel Applewhite, and Ken Dutton. The family will receive friends and relatives 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Friday, August 19, 2011 at Wheeler Woodlief Funeral Home. A funeral service to celebrate Milton's life will be held at 11:00 am Saturday morning, August 20, 2011 at Sunset Avenue Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Roberson officiating and assisted by Dr. Robin Fisher. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Friday 8/19, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Service Sunset Avenue Baptist Church 3732 Sunset Avenue Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2531 --> | Saturday 8/20, 11:00 am Cemetery Rocky Mount Memorial Park 4454 Dortches Blvd., Hwy 43 Rocky Mount, NC 27804