Here in Clarksville, TN we have a statue of a Marine Drill Sergeant. While the statue is a character in a TV show the man is a real American Soldier, Frank Sutton.
Frank Sutton was born October 23, 1923 in Clarksville. His family bounced around a little but stayed in Tennessee. Frank was a very intellectual child, who eventually as an adult had over 3,000 books in his home library. He enjoyed studying drama/theater in school. After graduating from East High School in Nashville, Frank moves back to Clarksville to be a radio announcer on WJZM in 1942. He tried to get into the US Marines but was denied for his color blindness. While attending college at Peabody College in Nashville, Frank was finally able to enlist in the US Army. While in the Army he served in the South Pacific and was part of 14 assault landings. Sutton was a sergeant who served from 1943–1946 in the 293rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Upon coming home from his service he continued his college education but switched to Columbia University in NYC. There he studied Drama and French. He picked up small roles on television, including Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke and The Untouchables. His breakthrough role was as Sergeant Vice Carter on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. A spin off of the Andy Griffith Show. He continued on the show for five seasons. He later appeared regularly on the variety show The Jim Nabors Hour. He then performed in Dinner Theater Shows, where on June 28, 1974 he passed away of a heart attack while preparing for a show. Frank’s wishes, which were followed, was to be buried in Clarksville with his parents.
Frank left behind a wife, Toby Igler Sutton, and two children, Joseph and Amanda. Though a busy man he made sure to set time aside to be with his family. In May of 2017 the City of Clarksville honored Sutton's career and dedication to veterans by unveiling a life-size statue of the actor on downtown Franklin Street. Mark Holleman, a Clarksville civic leader and broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Conroy, Marable & Holleman, led the efforts to create and fund the statue, which was designed by local sculptor Scott Wise. (https://www.visitclarksvilletn.com/plan/clarksville-connections/performing-and-visual-arts/frank-sutton/)
Thank you SGT. Frank Sutton for your service to our great country in both the military and entertainment.
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