Harry Charles Sutherland age 80, of Elk Creek, Virginia passed away on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at the Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.  He was born on August 20, 1943, in the Fox Creek Community of Grayson County to June and Janie Young Sutherland.  Mr. Sutherland will be remembered as one who served his community as a meticulous and dedicated Certified Public Accountant.  He was in the first graduating class of Wytheville Community College in 1965 completing his A.S. Degree in Accounting. This event was later recounted in 2015 upon the graduation of Harry's grandson, Cade, who followed his grandfather footsteps, graduating 50 years later.  Wytheville Community College later recognized and celebrated this meaningful event kicking off its 55th Anniversary Celebration.  Following his WCC graduation in 1965, Harry continued his education transferring to Virginia Tech earning his B.S. Degree and becoming a Certified Public Accountant.  Prior to his VPI graduation he secured work at Radford Arsenal.  Following his graduation, he took a position at Cole and Armbrister, an accounting firm in Wytheville, VA.  (It is important to note here that he remained a loyal fan and supporter of Virginia Tech throughout his life!  He was a true-hearted Hokie!)  In 1985, he opened his own firm in Wytheville where he continued to work until 2008.  Following a brief and unfulfilling retirement of "one week", he assumed a new position at Persingers & Company in Galax where he continued to work until he opened his own office in Independence, VA as an affiliate of Adams and Delp, P.C. Certified Public Accountants. He often stated that coming back to Independence was like coming home as he opened his office in the same space that housed his parents' jewelry store, Sutherland's Jewelry Shop, a familiar known landmark to Grayson County residents.  Mr. Sutherland served clients in all surrounding counties, often extending his professional service into the coal fields of West Virginia.  He remained dedicated and loyal to his profession up until the final weeks of his life.  He will be remembered for his detailed and efficient work always upholding to the strictest professional standards.  While much of his life was devoted to his profession, he was equally dedicated as a loving husband and father.  He was a model provider for his family and always took time to share in all aspects of their lives.  He always remembered his children with Valentine's Day candy (usually purchased on the evening of Feb. 14 following the mark down!!!!). Once the tax season ended in mid-April, the family always looked forward to the annual family vacation often to Disney World and sometimes, Myrtle Beach.  He was a father who took great pride in teaching his children to be frugal and to be independent while he was always supportive and encouraging.  He was a loyal and devoted husband to his wife of 62 years who "sometimes" enjoyed his hobby as a "car collecting enthusiasts."  Throughout the years, he has owned a variety of collectable cars including 55 Chevy, a variety of Corvettes and Camaros among many others.  His passing has left a great void in Grayson and Wythe Counties especially the Elk Creek Community and the Mt. Zion Methodist Church where he was a dedicated and loyal member as long as his health permitted.  He will be remembered as a man whose life emulated a creed of honesty and integrity while exemplifying Christian values and standards in every aspect of his personal and professional life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Montie Sutherland.  He is survived by his loving wife Nell Cannoy Sutherland of the home; two daughters, Amy S. Phillips and Mike Funk of Elk Creek, VA and Lee Ann S. Kelly of Elk Creek, VA; one son, Derek Sutherland of Mount Joy, PA; six grandchildren, Cade Philips, Camden Phillips, Brayden Kelly, Jace Kelly, Holly Sutherland, and Liam Sutherland; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be conducted on Monday evening, February 26, 2024, at 7:00 at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in Independence, VA with the Rev. Gleasanna Dixon and Brian Billings officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:30-7:00.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Elk Creek Rescue Squad 9109 Elk Creek Parkway Elk Creek, VA 24348, the Elk Creek Fire Department PO Box 36 Elk Creek VA 24326 or the Independence Rescue Squad PO Box 607 Independence, VA 24348.  Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home is serving the Sutherland family.