Lifelong Boyne City resident Oral Eugene Sutliff, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on November 30, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Oral was born on January 13, 1937 to Thurman and Bernice (Paquette) Sutliff, the youngest of seven children. He attended and graduated from Boyne City High School in 1955.
He was an eight year member of the Army Reserves following graduation. Oral was a founding member of the Boyne City Volunteer Fire Department and proudly served as a firefighter for 52 years from 1962-2014. On August 24, 1963, Oral married the love of his life, Eleanor Myers.
Together they made their home in Boyne City raising two children, Sheri and Scott. Oral spent many years as an accountant for various local businesses. He was also a bus driver for the Boyne City Public Schools for 15 years.
He later became the Manager of the Charlevoix County Transit. Service toward others was integral to Oral. He spent 12 years as a Charlevoix County Commissioner and was a member of the Boyne City School Board during its Twin Valley days.
He was a member of the Boyne City First Presbyterian Church where he served on various committees most notably as a Deacon. He was particularly proud of his time spent as a member of the Boyne Valley Lions Club and as Chairman of the Board at Grandvue Medical Care Facility. Oral was proud to help others in a humble way because that was the right thing to do.
Oral was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters: Elinor (Dick) Dubin, Delores (Wil) Nichols, Jeanne (Steve) McCarry, Leanna (Jim) McCarry, Thurleen (Jim) Eaton and his brother, TJ. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor, and his children, Sheri (Kevin) Fitzpatrick and Scott (Dan Baer) Sutliff, his grandchildren Brenton (Emily) Fitzpatrick, Kaitlin Fitzpatrick, Madison (Brock) Yenglin, Lauren Fitzpatrick and Brooklyn Fitzpatrick, as well as his latest pride and joy, great grandson, Camden Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carol (TJ) Sutliff, various nieces and nephews, his lifelong friend, Rex Judkins and his beloved dog, Logan.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Thursday, December 6th at the Boyne City First Presbyterian Church. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 7th at St. Matthews Church with a visitation being held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Oral’s name could kindly direct it toward Grandvue Medical Care Facility or the NW Michigan Hospice, who lovingly cared for Oral for the past six months at home.
Family and friends wishing to share a thought or memory are encouraged to do so online at www. stonefuneralhomeinc.com. Donations may be made to: Grandvue Medical Care Facility 1728 S. Peninsua Drive, East Jordan MI 49727 Hospice of Northwest Michigan 220 W. Garfield, Charlevoix MI 49720 Tel: 1-231-547-6092 Web: www.
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