Rick "Rickie" Sutton

Rick “Rickie" “Sultan” Sutton passed away after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of music and laughter. He is survived by his wife Jennifer Lowe, son Christopher Emerald, brother Michael (Deborah) of Indianapolis, and sister Judy Pence (Lloyd) of Monrovia, IN. Born in Indianapolis (lifelong Pacers fan), Rick"s father served in the Air Force, moving the family to Tampa, Tuscon, and Sumter. Rick graduated from Hillcrest High School in Sumter in 1972, moved to Columbia where he took night courses, worked at an upholstery factory, and several record stores before becoming employed at Papa Jazz Record Shoppe in Five Points, where he worked as a record buyer and vinyl manager for 20 years. In 2001 he moved to Charleston and opened Beaded Venus a successful bead store with his wife.

As a master drummer, Rick performed with several influential groups and ensembles over the course of 40 years: his music and his legacy lives on in many recordings. In his years at Papa Jazz he influenced so many to music that would never normally be heard in Columbia SC and in that his legacy will live on in generations of music lovers.

Rick had a kind loving heart and freely passed out "l love you". He was funny and cheerful, never woke up grumpy and there was always music in his head and a song in his heart. His precise methods, and indecision could make friends crazy yet love him still. He was generous to those he loved and although he collected and always seemed to get the best, first pick he was also always curating gifts to surprise friends with.

He will be missed immensly. Let his gentle, funny, loving, giving nature, curiousity, and love music live on.

In lieu of flowers please send a card of thanks to the nurses of Pruitt Health. So many had real connection with him, did so much to make him comfortable and are also grieving his loss. They are angels on earth.
Pruitt Health
2451 Forest Drive
Columbia,SC 29204.

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