Alastair "Al" Delday Sutherland

Alastair “Al” Delday Sutherland, a wonderful husband, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, brother and friend peacefully passed away on April 7, 2025 at age 86.  Al was born on July 2, 1938, in Brookes Point, Palawan, Philippines, to Alexander “Sandy” Millar Sutherland and Mary “Maisie” Robertson Sutherland.

Al is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary Latta Sutherland, married for a blessed 63 years beginning July 9, 1961 in Hillsboro, NC; by his children, Carol Shinn, James Sutherland and Paul Sutherland; by his grandchildren, Daniel (Karyn) Shinn, Heather (Matt) Taylor, and Elizabeth (Austin) Riccio; by his great-grandchildren, Kendyll, Dawson, Maisie, Madilyn, Boone and Wilder; by his siblings, Glen (Marie), Craig (Margaret), and Hazel (Donald) Schaeffer.  Al was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Heather, and brother, Keith. 

Al was a WWII survivor and submarine evacuee from the Philippine Island of Palawan. He graduated high school at Ben Lippen in Asheville, NC and college at Columbia Bible College in Columbia, SC.

Al served the Lord for over 60 years with a heart for ministry and missions, he wanted to reach the World for Christ. This was evident from his prayer board which was a large map of the world with 100’s of missionaries marked across the globe that he diligently prayed for.  He owned Berean Gospel Bookstore in Sanford.  This was a branch of his ministry and provided him the opportunity to preach in local churches in Lee and surrounding counties. 

Al's life is an example of service to his family, his community and lifelong faithfulness to Jesus the Lamb. Al had many interests: planning family vacations and adventures; studying scripture; keeping up with family and friends around the world and attending family events.

A fellowship gathering will be held for friends and family on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM in the fellowship hall of Lemon Springs Baptist Church, 576 Sanders Road, Sanford, NC 27332.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian Missions in Many Lands, Inc. for mission’s work in Palawan, Philippines with a note, in memory of Brother Al Sutherland. (PO Box 13, Springlake, NJ, 07762-0013J)

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