In January 2009, Sutton was charged with illegal distillation of spirits and firearm possession. Among his many documentaries was one that won an Emmy for its portrayal of his unique personality. In 1982, Memphis Popcorn Sutton helped to found the industrys first terminal. Pamela and Tommy had a whirlwind romance. Urban drinks are featured. Popcorn Suttons wife, Pam, died in 2009 after a long battle with cancer. To elude the cops, he switched up the cars oftenit was a 46 Willis Jeep one trip, a 53 Ford convertible the next. A long illness claimed the life of a beloved son on December 1, 2021. Since his death, a new company and associated whiskey brand have been named after him. On March 16, 2009, Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. In a move to perhaps cement his legendary status for all of eternity, Popcorn Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning just days before his federal prison term was scheduled to begin in 2009. Some Popcorn Sutton branded products can still be purchased directly from the original company. Sutton was convicted multiple times for selling moonshine without a license. Its empty. Sutton died by suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in March 2009, aged 62, rather than report to federal prison[according to whom?] They should have been focused on crimes that out weighed hi. Some people have questioned whether or not Pam Sutton is worthy of the money she has been left. Is Pam Sutton Still Alive Photo by - wp On December 1, 2021, a long illness claimed the life of a dear friend. The exact amount is unknown, but it is thought to be in the millions. Back then, he lived on Snowbird Mountain. A scrawny teen with big ears and droopy eyes, he had just watched the machine eat his quarters without dispensing his popcorn, so he whacked it repeatedly with his pool stick and broke the dang thing. Even though he is no longer alive, his legacy of moonshine production lives on. He appeared in the Western film Ghost Town: The Movie, in addition to his roles in the films Ghost Town: The Movie and Ghost Town: The Movie. His archive footage was featured in a 2016 documentary series, Moonshiners. He wore a long gray beard, faded overalls, checkered shirt and feathered fedora. Someone of means is going to have to step up. [12][13]) At around the same time, Sutton produced a home video of the same title and released it on VHS tape. [37], In March 2015, it was announced that John Lunn, who had until then been master distiller of George Dickel Tennessee whiskey since 2005, would be joining Popcorn Sutton Distilling as its new master distiller. She told the Associated Press (per NBC): "He couldn't go to prison. And Popcorn, who refused to pay taxes and considered moonshine part of his dont tread on me heritage, wore his rebel badge with pride. I met him once at his little shack in Cherokee. One Christmas at the Cocke County police department, deputy Armando Fontes got a gift from a mysterious man with a long white beard. 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. Popcorn Sutton was a moonshiner who was born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. In December 2016, Popcorn Sutton Distillery was sold to the alcoholic beverage company 'Sazerac Company.'. I can brag about one thing, Popcorn once said in his thick Southern drawl. Kobe Bryant and his family (Getty) But as Popcorn discovered, the buyers were federal agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Americas most notorious moonshiner was under arrest. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. But the young cop, whod seen the ravaging effects of drugs and alcohol on the locals, didnt comply. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2009, he committed suicide to avoid going to jail, and because of his cancer diagnosis, he died. Pam creates handmade art glass and jewelry. Sutton Popcorn Company retains their original use of this name. By deadorkicking.com Editorial Team. Stills are known to do that, despite Popcorns expert craftsmanship in making them. He was well-known in the entertainment industry for his stage name and custom copper stills, and he made a name for himself. "He tried every way in the world to get them (federal authorities) to leave him on house arrest," she said. However, most believe it was either due to vandalism of the original site or a family dispute with his widow. Some view him as a folk hero. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 50s Pamela L Sutton Brooklyn, NY (Central Brooklyn) View Full Report Addresses Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY E 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 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. At several points in my interviews, people would slip away and return with dusty jugs of Popcorns concoctions. After separating from his second wife Heather Locklear, Tommy met Pam and the two fell hard and fast. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the life and persona of Marvin Popcorn Sutton, a legendary moonshiner and North Carolina native who died in an automobile accident. Spouse. Later that day his wife came home from work to find him dead. Sutton was found at the age of 62 in his parked green Ford Fairmont with the engine running. , Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Dangers Of Popcorn Lung: E-Cigarette Use Linked To Fatal Respiratory Illness, How To Prepare Your Airless Sprayer For Spraying Popcorn Ceilings, Adding Subtitles To A Movie On Popcorn Time, Popcorners: A Healthier Alternative To Traditional Snacks, Hoyts Offers Delicious Gluten-Free Popcorn For Movie-Goers With Dietary Restrictions, Sorghum Popcorn: A Delicious And Healthy Snack, The Shulmans Skinny Popcorn Is A Healthier Alternative To Traditional Popcorn, How Much Salt In Orville Redenbacker Popcorn. As Fontes learned, Popcorn had a long history of cozying up to the police and avoiding prosecution for making untaxed whiskey. 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. Haywood mans presidential pardon reveals systemic inequities, Town of Waynesville will pursue staggered terms for aldermen, SCC grad inspires latest New Century Scholars. He later paid him back with liquor. He was a whole lot smarter than people gave him credit for. Grosser returned on March 16, 2009 to finalize the deal with Popcorn, who was scheduled to go to prison four days later. I sounded like absinthe. However, there is no doubt that Pam is a hard-working woman who has been through a lot in her life. Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton killed himself in 2009 after being sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for selling nearly a thousand gallons of moonshine to an undercover agent. Since 2011, the show has followed the lives of individuals who produce moonshine in the Appalachian Mountains. He was 62 years old. Maggie Valley lost a friend and an ambassador, said James Carver, a long-time friend of Popcorns and a Maggie Valley native. pic.twitter.com/V7dUdlJWQ8. He said a Vending machine in a bar took his money and didnt give him his popcorn! He was a short, skinny fella, who always wore his hat that was kind of his claim to fame, his hat that he always wore. Popcorn Suttons legal fight to legalize moonshine resulted in his suicide and subsequent criminal prosecution, but it was his legal fight to legalize the spirit that led to his death. . Many moonshiners associate Popcorn Sutton with moonshine. Whether people associate his name with criminal or star, no one can deny he's one of the only Cocke County, Tenn., residents to rise to fame. His self-published autobiography, Me and My Likker, described the amazing journey of moonshine production. So he Wooped the hell out of it with a pool stick. Popcorn Sutton was a well-known moonshiner in the Appalachian region of the United States, and his wife was often involved in his business. RIP. Hi my Name is Angel. Whatever he earned from trading the barrels to Nick would go back into the next batch of products, and he would leave with little to spend on his household. I can't be the only one that misses Popcorn Sutton.I would have loved to pick his brain. 'Moonshiner' Josh Owens Is Seemingly Prone to Injury, Here's Exactly How the 'Moonshiners' Avoid Getting Arrested. He also had a coffin ready in his living room. Sutton was in a live-in relationship with Ernestine Upchurch, who later helped him write his autobiography. While his standard moonshine tasted like sweet, buttery corn, his infusionspears, peaches, figs, black cherriescemented his greatness. [35] According to press reports, Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey would be initially distributed in Tennessee and throughout the southeast. Its easy to spot Popcorn Sutton, also known as Marvin, if youre looking for legendary moonshiners. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Popcorn Sutton poses with one of his moonshine stills (photo shared with permission from Sucker Punch Pictures). I can relate to that, as I am the same way. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. Is Pam Sutton Still Alive He was a folk hero. Even in death his battles wage on: Popcorns whiskey recently became available legally for the first time, but a family feud over his legacy shows no signs of resolution. View Pam Sutton results including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. It is also critical to use the proper amount of sugar in each batch of moonshine to make it safe to drink. On October 25, 2013, Jack Daniel's Properties, Inc. filed suit against the distiller of Popcorn Sutton's whiskey, claiming that the newly redesigned bottle, with its square shape, beveled shoulders, and white-on-black label, too closely resembled their own. I dont believe it or not, but the vast majority of it happened in the last few decades. He was quite a Character. Its a phrase he cut into his headstone when he was still alive. On March 16, 2009, the 48-year-old Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. 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. Moreover, she is also not on social media which makes it further difficult to track down her life at present. On March 16, 2009, Sutton, a resident of Northbridge, England, died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. I said, Im sorry, Im not going to turn a blind eye like the others. He arrested Popcorn, who got two years probation for possession of untaxed liquor. gotta love popcorns sarcastic wit. by Loyola Martinez | Feb 25, 2023 | Popcorn. 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. Pam Sutton, the wife of the late moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, has been left with a large sum of money following her husbands death. [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. Grosser was just like any other fanboy whod come to meet the living legend and buy some hooch. However, prior to his death, she had not seen him in years. In 2007, a fire on Sutton's property in Parrottsville led to firefighters discovering 650 gallons of untaxed alcohol there, for which he was convicted and put on probation again by Cocke County authorities. Neal used footages from 'Mountain Talk' in his next documentary, 'The Last One.' He was also known for being convicted of crimes related to moonshining and illegal firearm possession. The charges also included tax evasion and transportation of an illegal substance. These states are all part of the southern United States. [8][9] In 1998 his roadside store in Maggie Valley, NC was searched by state agents, who seized a moonshine still and sixty gallons of moonshine, and Sutton was again placed on probation with a suspended sentence. [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. "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. As the story goes, Fergusons body was found on the side of the road, left for dead after having his throat slit. 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. It took his money, but didnt produce popcorn, eliciting a few swift blows from Sutton to crack open the machine. His fate would be sealed in that manner. Moonshine is romanticized in folklore and in the movies, Cavanaugh declared. An hour after Grosser left the cabin with his paperwork, Popcorn built his final contraption. As a result, the judge had reason to show him leniency. Could it still be set up, as a shrine monument?? But so did the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who launched a full-scale investigation, including undercover agents that struck deals to buy large quantities of moonshine from him. Willie Nelson had him onstage at a local show, and Johnny Knoxville taped a visit to Popcorns cabin. Others view him as a criminal. 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. Is Popcorn Sutton still alive? As part of his undercover investigation, an undercover federal officer discovered that Sutton had 500 gallons of moonshine in his possession. The revised version of the book includes details of his death. The lawsuit was settled in 2014. Still, his name is synonymous with one of the countys greatest claims to fame: Real mountain moonshine. Popcorn Sutton married Pam Sutton in 2007 just two years prior to his death. I was wondering if it was the last time the still was going to ever be use, why did they take the time, and hard work to break it down? Cutie Pie survived a snake bite in 2017. DK. Editors Note: Many thanks to Sucker Punch Pictures for allowing us to use their incredible photos of Popcorn Sutton and his still for this article. Pam St. Clement was born on May 21, 1942 and is 80 years old now. He was placed on probation. [39] At the time of the announcement, it had not been decided whether the Popcorn Sutton brands would continue to be produced under contract by the distillery or not.[39]. Since his death, a new company, as well as an associated whiskey brand, has been launched in his memory. Additionally, Sutton had had a mental breakdown after being diagnosed with cancer. What does this report reveal about the states with the most moonshiners? She suspected even then that her daddy might be responsible. 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. Every time Sutton finished filling a barrel, he would give Nick a gallon and sell the rest to him. His wife, Pam Sutton, whom he married just two years prior, had returned from running errands when she found him. She uses several glassmaking techniques to create decorative, as well as functional . As a popcorn treat, a pound of moonshine is served. This Diner had postcards of him for sale next to the cash register . The most notable thing about the grave? Today, Sky Sutton is a published author, historian and genealogist. The Feds killed him. He was a friendly fellow, and of course every time you would talk to him, he would say, "Ray, I've run my last run of moonshine, I'm not gonna do it anymore, I'm just getting too old to be doing this stuff.". moonshine is still a popular drink in the region, and visitors can still taste it. Now known as one of Britain's finest detectives and police officers, Sutton actually comes from a long line of coppers. Facebook gives people the power to share. The states with the most moonshiners, on the other hand, are not among the top five for per capita moonshine production. [2023], Is the Laurel Falls Hike Easy? 4 mos. Damian Sutton, 2, has died at a Detroit hospital after being taken off life support. Concepts LLC and Pam Sutton, the widow of Hank Williams, to create a line of whiskey named after her. However, Popcorn's estranged daughter Sky Sutton believed her father died by his terms. Regina has plans to release her own moonshine based on her dads secret recipe with a local microdistillery near her home in Anchorage, where she now works as a trauma surgeon (a job that was inspired by the day she saw the guy at her daddys house with a knife in his neck). 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. When I heard how Popcorn was treated and that he wanted me to be involved in carrying on his legacy, I was immediately in. Famed Appalachian moonshiner Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton, whose incorrigible bootlegging ways were as out of step with modern times as his hillbilly beard and overalls, took his own life rather than go to prison for making white lightning, his widow says. Where Is Jungle Pam Hardy Now? Per NBC News, the famed moonshiner and bootlegger Popcorn Sutton died by suicide, possibly to avoid serving time in federal prison. Sutton could have gotten as much as 15 years in prison, but got off with a surprisingly light relatively speaking with just 18 months. To distinguish himself from the competition, he took pride in quality. Sutton earned massive fame as a liquor king by the time he turned 60. 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). When Popcorn Sutton died in 2009, he left behind a large sum of money. The book also offers a better understanding of how the people of the region survived. As Hank Williams Jr. says of Popcorn, This guy was real Appalachian Americana. We have found 168 people in the UK with the name Pamela Sutton. So there my personal opinion. He was really just a back hill shiner. 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. View the profiles of people named Pamela Sutton. I remember the blood gushing everywhere, she says. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. But Popcorn had fallen on hard times and ended up drinking and talking with Grosser for days. [18] The judge noted that Sutton was still under probation in Tennessee at the time of the federal raid, and said that putting a man on probation again after being convicted five times of various crimes would not serve the community interest. Glass and Silversmithing Arts. These recipes were made with popcorn Sutton left behind, and they included a lot of instructions and instructions on how to make them. Marvin was a kind of cultural icon and an embodiment of moonshine yore when it comes to producing the liquor. "[21][22], Sutton's body was initially interred at a family graveyard in Mount Sterling, North Carolina. The grave of the last American outlaw sits off a dirt road in the backwoods of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, the hillbilly haven where Marvin Popcorn Sutton, the most notorious moonshiner ever, lived and died in the wildest of ways. I couldnt understand what he said. 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. Sutton followed her husband to coaching stops at College of Southern Idaho, Creighton, Arkansas, Kentucky and . If you are going to produce moonshine, you must carefully follow his recipe and instructions. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most interesting monsters mentioned on Travel Channel's Mountain Monsters (media photo from Travel Channel, werewolf rendering from Adobe stock), The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is one of the main attractions in Bryson City, North Carolina (photo by Alaina O'Neal/TheSmokies.com), I would love to have drank some of his moonshine ll0, I wud love to have met Popcorn. Hutchesons coffee table book style biography, The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton is a glimpse into Popcorns wit, jokes and hillbilly way of life. He always stayed true to his craft, Upchurch tells me, which was making liquor. The couple had been married for over 50 years and had three children together. But he was also the sweetest, kindest, most loving man I ever met in my life.". But Popcorn, who seemed unusually sullen to Grosser, had other plans. In fact, he came from a long line of bootleggers. While the series typically follows current moonshiners, part of the show features the late Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. However, since he was diagnosed with cancer, Sutton requested US District Judge Ronnie Greer to grant him house arrest instead of sending him to prison. In March 2008, they raided his home and seized 800 gallons of the illegal liquor, three stills with 1,000-gallon capacities, hundreds of gallons of moonshine-making ingredients such as mash and many guns. 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. He wasn't just a poor old moonshiner trying to make a few dollars.". "He did it his way. When she was just sixteen, Pam married Popcorn Sutton, a man eighteen years her senior. It was done so the state could finally cash in (in addition to tax payments, starting a moonshine operation requires a half-million-dollar tax bond). Join Facebook to connect with Pamela Sutton and others you may know. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the estate of Kate Sutton is valued at around $500 thousand. From back rooms to barrooms, locals tell me sordid tales of Popcorns violent temper. In addition to organizing the Mountain Music Festival and the Moonshiners Reunion, Bill plays the guitar and organizes gig events. In 1974, he was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and charged with multiple violations. [37] In July 2016, it was announced Allisa Henley, long time employee and Master Distiller at George Dickel, would join John Lunn at Popcorn Sutton Distilling. He comes from the old era, said Maggie Valley Police Chief Scott Sutton, describing Popcorn Sutton as the last of his breed. Each piece is handmade in Pam's studio in Reno, Nevada. Born in Maggie Valley, North Carolina,[1][2] he grew up, lived and died in the rural areas around Maggie Valley and nearby Cocke County, Tennessee. Popcorn was unique. NFTs Simplified > Uncategorized > is pam sutton still alive. He honed the perfection of the craft, much like his father and grandfather had before him. They should of left him alone he was part of our great history, 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. How Old - Age: 80. He was handed down light charges at the time, netting nothing more than probation. I wander up a grassy hill and read it there where hes now buried, the same spot where his still had gone up in flames. On November 9, 2010, Hank Williams Jr. partnered with 'J&M Concepts LLC' and Pam Sutton to distill and distribute a whiskey brand titled 'Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey.'. One night I sit outside the Cocke County fire station, near Popcorns home in Parrotsville, Tennessee, swigging apricot moonshine with the fire chiefs stout, gray-haired wife. Pam has worked for NSW Police for 11 years as a General Administrative Support Officer. ", Maggie Valley, NC Mark, Digger and JB are close to completing the first run of liquor anyones made here since Popcorn Sutton did his last run 20 years ago #Moonshiners on @Discovery and @discoveryplus https://t.co/mJGWJuEHZO pic.twitter.com/RohfOaMOKq. [3] In the 1960s or 1970s, Sutton was given the nickname of "Popcorn" after his frustrated attack on a bar's faulty popcorn vending machine with a pool cue. Crime, whiskey & homemade sex machines: The life, death and legacy of Popcorn Sutton, Americas greatest moonshiner. Interestingly, just a year after Sutton died, moonshining was legalized in the US. Would loved to have known Popcorn. Originally, he was buried in an isolated plot in western North Carolina near the graves of his parents.
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