Clifford “Buddy” Hansford Sutherland, 90, of Nitro, passed away Nov. 8, 2023, and was born July 24, 1933, to the late Clifford H. and Maxine Sutherland.
Cliff graduated from St. Albans High School, Alderson Broaddus College, and Colgate Divinity School in Rochester, New York. He was honored to serve the U.S. Army as Sergeant First Class in Germany. Cliff proudly worked through college as a student basketball assistant washing basketball uniforms under the late coach Rex Pyles. While at Colgate he pastored York Baptist Church in York, New York, and then at the church of Christ in Morganville, New York. Cliff was guest pastor at several 2nd Baptist Churches when the pastors were on vacations or sick. His sons have fond memories of being able to say amen and stand up and clap. His most memorable sermon was about Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. He moved to Morgantown in 1970 to become the Baptist campus minister on High Street. After leaving Morgantown in 1974, he and his wife, Judy, started a 1st Baptist Student Reunion that still takes place each July. He also pastored Salem Baptist, Clendenin Baptist and Nitro Baptist.
Cliff was always counseling families, visiting patients in hospitals and prison inmates. His passion for helping others led him to continue his education and became a drug and alcohol counselor. He served with Shawnee Hills in Clay, Charleston, Terra Alta and Beckley. Cliff and Judy also led a children’s home at Davis-Stuart Inc. in Lewisburg and fostered several children.
Cliff loved the Dodgers, Lakers, and all animals (especially cats). He always found good in someone and was a hugger. His favorite thing to say was Merry Christmas.
Cliff is survived by his sons, Clifford (Patricia) of Morgantown, and Paul Sutherland of Charleston; brother, Butch Chittum, sisters, Cindy Sacher, Topsy Chittum, and Jimmy Richmeier; grandchildren, Jeremy Sutherland, Jennessa Sutherland, Jennifer Sutherland, Andrew Sutherland, and Stephen Sutherland; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Judith; parents; special stepdad, Lyle Chittum; and siblings, Richard “Teke” Sutherland, Tom Sutherland and Nancy Dabbs.
In accordance with his wishes, Cliff had requested his body be donated to the Marshall Human Gift Registry, continuing to give. The family suggests donations be made in memory of Cliff to your church, local humane society or school athletic program.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cliffs and Judy’s ashes will be spread over Niagara Falls, Calls Pond, Coopers Rock and Ocean at Rehoboth Beach.
Arrangements are under the care of Cooke Funeral Home, in Nitro, condolences may be sent to www.cookefuneralhome.com or https://www.facebook. com/cliff.sutherland.5
