Some of the most meaningful ways we honor a life are also the quietest. This fall, the Saint Peter’s community marked the passing of a longtime neighbor and friend, Rear Admiral William Glenn “Woody” Sutton, with a simple gesture rooted, quite literally, in the ground we share. Doug Marshall and Bill Montgomery, who have been leading our tree identification and tagging project, share the story of a beloved Black Tupelo, the family who cared for it, and a small tribute offered in Woody’s memory.
One of Saint Peter's neighbors, Rear Admiral William Glenn “Woody” Sutton passed away on September 14 after a 3 year battle with ALS. Woody (USNA '70) and his wife Claudia have been wonderful neighbors of Saint Peter's for many years.
Admiral Sutton was Naval Attache to President Reagan and carried the “football” of nuclear codes wherever the President went. That was only part of a distinguished career in the Navy and Industry post-retirement.
In their yard is a magnificent Black Tupelo, Nyssa Sylvatica tree that is at least 50 years old. The Suttons have lovingly cared for this tree for most of its life, and when Woody needed unobstructed access for his wheelchair they had a path built that would not damage the tree’s roots. The healthy mature tree lives right on the property line at N. Stafford St.
As part of our tree identification and tagging project, we decided to have a special tag made for that tree to honor Woody's memory. His widow Claudia approved the idea, and Doug Marshall and Bill Montgomery affixed it to that tree and invited her to come outside and have a look.
Perhaps not so coincidentally, there is a very similar Black Tupelo living just outside the Oval Office at the White House. Both Doug (Merchant Marine) and Bill (Navy) have maritime backgrounds, and on St. Peter’s behalf were honored too be able to make a small gesture in Woody's memory.
Doug Marshall and Bill Montgomery
