Jessee C. Sutherland

Jessee C. Sutherland, 85, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on October 14, 2026.

Born on January 20, 1941, in Dickenson County, Virginia, Jessee lived a life defined by service, dedication, and a deep love for family and the outdoors.

He proudly served in the United States Army Special Forces as a communications sergeant. After his military service, he defined his commitment to public safety by dedicating more than 30 years to law enforcement in Virginia. He retired as a Master Police Officer with the Fairfax County Police Department in Virginia.

Jessee found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved freshwater fishing, surf fishing on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, and hunting. Jessee was an elder and dedicated member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Abingdon.

Above all, spending time with his family was his greatest joy. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished every moment with those he loved.

Jessee was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lucille (Long) Sutherland; his beloved wife, Edith (Gaskins) Sutherland of Tangier Island, Virginia; and sister, Sherry (Sutherland) Smith of Abingdon, Virginia.

He is survived by his son, Kevin Sutherland (Teresa Funk Sutherland); daughter, Jennifer Hawley (Gregory Hawley); grandson, Brent Jennell-Sutherland (Raven Journeay); sister, Paula Sutherland (RL); brother, Michael (Regina Sutherland); and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in his name to Bethel Presbyterian Church in Abingdon; College for Older Adults in Abingdon, Virginia; Special Forces Trust; or your favorite charity.

A visitation with the family will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim Walker officiating. The burial will follow at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, Virginia.