Sutton conceded he was part of a dying breed in an interview last year with actor Johnny Knoxville for a video posted on Knoxville's "Jackass" Web site. His wife Pam, whom he had married about two years before his death,[11][14] returned home from running errands and discovered her husband in his green Ford Fairmont (which was still running) at the rear of their property in Parrottsville, Tennessee. He often bragged that he ran more whiskey than Jack Daniel. He detailed his brew-making exploits in the book Me and My Likker, and in a self-produced video The Last Run of Likker Ill Ever Make. Hes even been known to autograph Mason jars of moonshine. One Christmas at the Cocke County police department, deputy Armando Fontes got a gift from a mysterious man with a long white beard. It was Popcorns daddy, Vader, who taught him how to make and run the moonshine as deftly as the Suttons before him. Even when he came to federal court, he was wearing bib overalls. Did Popcorn ever have a wife? 4 mos. [7], Sutton died by suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning on March 16, 2009, apparently to avoid a federal prison term due to begin a few days later. Pam Sutton was born in 1951 in the small town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He apparently got right back to work. Facebook gives people the power to. Sutton's last arrest followed a raid in which authorities found nearly 1,700 gallons of moonshine in Parrottsville and a storage unit in Maggie Valley, N.C., three stills, supplies, firearms and ammunition. I picked one up and realized the man sitting in the corner bye himself was the Legend ! In 2010, Hank Williams, Jr. announced a partnership with J.M. Since his death, Popcorn's persona and work have only garnered more attention due to a whiskey company named after him, Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey, and as we said before, his posthumous appearances on Moonshiners. Despite being on probation, Popcorn defiantly refused to give up his trade. As industrious about marketing his booze as he was about making it, Popcorn spent decades traveling the South, stealthily pawning jars from the back of his vintage rides. Most of it happened in the last 20 years, if not longer. [34] Country music stars attending the launch event included Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Zac Brown, Josh Thompson, Kentucky Headhunters, Little Big Town, Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Jaron and the Long Road to Love, and Lee Brice. Because of its high alcohol content, moonshine is not typically sold in stores, but instead is consumed at home or by bar patrons who want to imbibe in a spirit with a distinct flavor profile. And the skirmishes continue: After his daughter Regina fulfilled his lifelong wish by burying him next to his parents at the Bend of the River, Pam Sutton exhumed his remains and buried him back in her own front yard at an elaborate ceremony attended by many, including Hank Williams Jr. Over a jar of moonshine at Popcorns cabin, Pam tells me with tearful eyes that his grave site had been getting desecrated, and she wanted him close to home. The life and persona of Marvin Popcorn Sutton, a world-famous moonshiner and North Carolina native, are known to all. The most notable thing about the grave? I met him once at his little shack in Cherokee. "Popcorn is getting everybody drunk," the governor's Highway Patrol escorts complained and when Irwin told him to stop, Sutton packed up and left, Irwin recalled. Pam Sutton Portfolio | northtahoearts While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. He wasn't just a poor old moonshiner trying to make a few dollars.". "And then he got into it in such a big way. At several points in my interviews, people would slip away and return with dusty jugs of Popcorns concoctions. He was placed on probation. Pam Sutton sits down with Rick to discuss Popcorn Sutton The Rick Dollar Show 836 subscribers Subscribe 913 Share 124K views 7 years ago Pam Sutton discusses Popcorn Sutton and her. Soon after Sutton's demise, there were rumors that suggested his grave had been vandalized. Her husbands whiskey was produced and sold by Hank Williams Jr. and she began selling it as a stand-alone product in 2010. The total weight of the ingredients is 143 pounds (65.2 kilograms), with cracked corn accounting for 65.1 kilograms and granulated sugar accounting for 76 kilograms. His thick shaggy beard and slight frame completed the prototypical image of a backwoods mountaineer. In 2009, he chose suicide in order to avoid going to prison, and he was diagnosed with cancer the following year. Pam was a loving wife and mother who was always there for her family. The History Channel featured him in a 2007 documentary called "Hillbilly: The Real Story.". The fire tipped authorities off that Popcorn was still at it, and wasnt merely producing the occasionall jar here and there but cranking out hundreds of gallons. As Sutton's business continued to flourish, he got involved in several legal issues, such as selling untaxed liquor, possessing controlled substances, and assaulting with a deadly weapon (between 1981 and 1985). I remember the blood gushing everywhere, she says. What finally brought him down, however, was a fire at his own home in April 2007 when a still exploded. That man went out in a blaze of glory, and flipping his finger as we went," she said. When the sugar content of the spirit is too high, the sugar content of the spirit will be too sweet, while too little sugar will cause the spirit to ferment poorly. He was really just a back hill shiner. He made his first film appearance in 2002, with Neal Hutcheson's documentary 'Mountain Talk.' Newport Plain Talk, Cocke Countys local newspaper, originally reported the following arrests and convictions. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/popcorn-sutton-46282.php. Thus, it took him forever to clear his debts. P.O. Maggie Valley lost a friend and an ambassador, said James Carver, a long-time friend of Popcorns and a Maggie Valley native. Popcorn had just one question for the stranger. The company that sold Popcorn Sutton branded products, on the other hand, continues to sell them directly to consumers. . Could it still be set up, as a shrine monument?? Dean Sutton of 39 years and his wife, Christine Sutton; their son, Ian; mother, Bessie Wimer; and sister,Brenda Oswald, all of whom preceded her in death, are among those who have passed away. We dont plan to change that model. Join Facebook to connect with Pam Sutton and others you may know. Irwin told Sutton to run nothing but water through it. Sutton was in a live-in relationship with Ernestine Upchurch, who later helped him write his autobiography. Popcorn Sutton and his moonshine: 6 surprising facts (with pictures) He also appeared in the Western 'Ghost Town: The Movie.' Per NBC News, the famed moonshiner and bootlegger Popcorn Sutton died by suicide, possibly to avoid serving time in federal prison. Popcorn Sutton grew up in the South-Eastern Appalachian region of the United States, and he was born in Scotland. He came from a long line of moonshiners, so bootlegging and moonshining have been his calling since he arrived on Earth. The charges also included tax evasion and transportation of an illegal substance. Popcorn Sutton, a moonshiner and bootlegger from 1946 to 2009, is regarded as an American legend. Popcorn Sutton Whiskey, Once Moonshine, Is Now Legal - The New York Times For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Furthermore, many of these moonshine stills are hidden in rural areas, allowing visitors to experience the moonshine culture in these states. Sutton's daughter later revealed that Sutton had once told her mother that he would prefer dying than going to jail. In addition to serving probation after being caught with over 650 gallons of moonshine, he was also convicted of selling alcohol without a license. He was methodical about his brand and making a living, Grosser recalls. The lawsuit was settled in 2014 with undisclosed terms,[37] and as of May 2016, the Sutton brand's bottle design has been substantially changed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. He comes from the old era, said Maggie Valley Police Chief Scott Sutton, describing Popcorn Sutton as the last of his breed. In a final twist, she can now make her papas booze in Tennessee legally if she wantsthe state passed a law shortly after his death authorizing moonshine production. Damian Sutton, 2, has died at a Detroit hospital after being taken off life support. He wore a long gray beard, faded overalls, checkered shirt and feathered fedora. He made his home in Cocke County, where cockfighting and moonshining are legend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Whiskey consumption has grown over the last few years as people seek out new flavors and styles of moonshine. In March 2008, Sutton informed an undercover federal officer about the moonshine gallons in Tennessee and Maggie Valley, which he wanted to trade. [18][19] In January 2009, Sutton, who had used a public defender as his attorney in the case and had pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison for illegally distilling spirits and possession of a firearm (a .38-caliber handgun) as a felon. My mother-in-law Pam Sutton suffered a massive stroke on 9/15/22. She added that the prison sentence and a cancer diagnosis might have had influenced his decision. Moonshiners distillers JB and Bill from Connelly Springs, NC, are now teaching their distilling techniques in both states. 'Moonshiner' Josh Owens Is Seemingly Prone to Injury, Here's Exactly How the 'Moonshiners' Avoid Getting Arrested. To Grosser it seemed less like a sellout than the last swift move of a sharp entrepreneur. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. "Nobody was going to tell him what to do," Sky told Knox News in 2009. by Loyola Martinez | Dec 28, 2022 | Popcorn. is pam sutton still alive. Even though technically he wasn't a member of "Moonshiners," his life and work inspired the series, which later kept his memory alive throughout its run. How Old - Age: 80. Widow: Moonshiner took his life to avoid jail He was handed down light charges at the time, netting nothing more than probation. Still, his name is synonymous with one of the countys greatest claims to fame: Real mountain moonshine. Through it all, there was just one thing that guided him: his likker (as he liked to spell it). It was composed by photographer Don Dudenbostel. Moreover, there were several petitions made to reduce his sentence. But while the cops may not have pursued his bootlegging aggressively, Popcorn got himself in hot water nonetheless. While some revile the folkloric status Popcorn has achieved, denouncing him as a common criminal, few can argue that Popcorn was a bridge to the past, a window on a vanishing part of Appalachian culture. He was convicted of moonshining and illegal firearm possession offenses and was scheduled to report to federal prison in March 2009, but he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. Living in this area, he made friends with all the sheriffs and local leaders, Fontes, stocky and dark-haired, tells me one afternoon in his wood-paneled office. Still, Popcorn has retained close ties to Maggie Valley, and the town is often viewed as the main stomping ground of the mountains most infamous shiner. Its easy to spot Popcorn Sutton, also known as Marvin, if youre looking for legendary moonshiners. This is the Last Dam Run of Likker Ill Ever Make, The Greenbrier Gatlinburg: The best and most haunted restaurant in town, Dign Zone construction theme park coming soon to Sevierville TN, Is Mountain Monsters Real? He will continue to teach distilling techniques to distillers in North Carolina, as well as his music, which will be featured at both the moonshiners reunion and the Mountain Music Festival. Aint nobody make it better than this, she cackles over a sip. They were not invited. Today, Sky Sutton is a published author, historian and genealogist. That year, his conviction led to a sentence by federal authorities of 18 months in federal prison which leads us to our next Sutton factoid . Popcorn Sutton, an American moonshiner and bootlegger, lived in the United States from 1946 to 2009. I can brag about one thing, Popcorn once said in his thick Southern drawl. The couple had three children together, but Popcorn Suttons moonshining operation often took him away from home for long periods of time. Stanley established The Starchild character for his Kiss persona. Pam Sutton married Popcorn Sutton just two years before his death in 2007. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months of federal imprisonment. He went to his grave in a pine casket he bought years ago and kept in a bedroom. Willie Nelson had him onstage at a local show, and Johnny Knoxville taped a visit to Popcorns cabin. Its a phrase he cut into his headstone when he was still alive. Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. It was said he did this to avoid the federal prison term that was supposed to start a few days later. It was an absolute honor to meet him. While the series typically follows current moonshiners, part of the show features the late Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. My favorite place of hanging out, how not the kitchen! At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. This charge would eventually cause him to fall. His widow, Pam, told the outlet that he'd just received a letter to report to prison for an 18-month sentence for illegally distilling spirits, as well as felony possession of a firearm. The epitaph on his footstone reads "Popcorn Said Fuck You".[14][25]. On March 16, 2009, Sutton, a resident of Northbridge, England, died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. As Popcorn once bragged, Im the only man I know of around here thats got a two-inch dick and a six-inch tongue and knows how to use both of em.[pagebreak] To the fans and celebs who came from around the world to buy his booze, Popcorn was the banjo-picking cracker with the long beard, grimy overalls, and bawdy stories. Pam Sutton is a much loved and valued member with the Inner West Police Area Command. There arent any more not in his form or fashion, thats for sure., Julia Merchant contributed to this article. With all his knowledge about shine and his love for animals, especially cats, that makes him number one in my book. At the center of it all was a guy who, right up until his bizarre death, defied his stereotype as much as he seemed to fulfill it. When Popcorn Sutton was sentenced to jail in 2009 for moonshining, Pam stood by her husband. His recipe, on the other hand, still lives on and is produced at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Kentucky. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. Pam brings more than 25 years of healthcare industry experience and currently serves as Senior Vice President and Regional Chief Operating Officer of New York Presbyterian. Pam Sutton Profiles | Facebook Sutton followed her husband to coaching stops at College of Southern Idaho, Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and . It is also critical to use the proper amount of sugar in each batch of moonshine to make it safe to drink. This left Pam to raise their children largely on her own. Glass and Silversmithing Arts. This is likely the event that spurred the internets 1983 search. Popcorn grew up in Maggie Valley and called it home for most of his life, but had largely taken up residence in his later years in Parrrotsville, Tenn., the rural and sparsely populated country around Newport. Though Popcorn left no suicide note, his dramatic exit has transformed him into a martyr for his cause and solidified his legacy as the little guy whod rather die than let the Feds beat him. He said a Vending machine in a bar took his money and didnt give him his popcorn! The boy's mother's boyfriend has admitted to beating the child and is expected to face additional charges [8][16][17], In March 2008, Sutton told an undercover federal officer that he had 500 gallons of moonshine in Tennessee and another 400 gallons in Maggie Valley that he was ready to sell. He was convicted in 1974 of selling untaxed liquor[3][7] and in 1981 and 1985 on charges of possessing controlled substances and assault with a deadly weapon, but received only probation sentences until the 1985 arrest, after which he served time in the Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville. (February 10, 1944 - December 22, 2010) We were fortunate to have a woman at Lions Dragstrip who was so dedicated that she wanted to preserve the performance of every car that raced down the strip. Spring 2023 enrollment at Western Carolina Univers Waynesville is Haywood Countys only municipal g Jake Tallent vividly remembers the impact that the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority received a v Book reading, film screening to commemorate Popcorn Sutton, As long as water runs downhill: The story of Popcorn Sutton, Hillbilly Jammers get high on the mountain, Pardon me? Whiskey production became ingrained in early Appalachian culture, thanks in part to the regions perfect climate for growing sweet corn. [2023], Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? I can't be the only one that misses Popcorn Sutton.I would have loved to pick his brain. The four-word epitaph sums up how he felt about his life, his death, and his legacy:Popcorn said fuck you.Show me more booze.Head over to the girl galleries. Regina Sutton, his eldest daughter, recalls a time in her youth when her mom opened the cabin door to find a man with a butcher knife sticking out of his neck. Popcorn lives on but now in a rural mountain in northern Tennessee. He later paid him back with liquor. by Loyola Martinez | Feb 25, 2023 | Popcorn. His widow, Pam, told the outlet that he'd just received a letter to report to prison for an 18-month sentence for illegally distilling spirits, as well as felony possession of a firearm. Patsy Sutton, wife of Eddie Sutton, dies at 74 | RSN She uses several glassmaking techniques to create decorative, as well as functional . As a popcorn treat, a pound of moonshine is served. Authorities began to investigate him without his consent. Popcorn Sutton Wife Death ", Popcorn's death remains a topic of discussion this year, as another supporter said, "Remember the Feds killed Popcorn Sutton just because he made his own whiskey on his own land. No bootlegger, however, would become as enigmatic as Popcorn. Either way, months later, his wife Pam held a large public memorial service, which Hank Williams Jr. famously attended. After separating from his second wife Heather Locklear, Tommy met Pam and the two fell hard and fast. The net worth of Andy Sutton is unknown, but some sources claim that he was worth as much as $13 million when he died in 1993. Haywood mans presidential pardon reveals systemic inequities, Town of Waynesville will pursue staggered terms for aldermen, SCC grad inspires latest New Century Scholars. He seemed interesting and came out with some funny one liners. All rights reserved.