If you want to see an old-fashioned way to be brought to a funeral then this is the blog post for you. But first…….
If you are like some other readers to my blog you might wonder why the post about “Popcorn” Sutton is listed among the top ten most-read items week after week. At first I thought the interest in this story was due to just an interesting post concerning a Tennessee moonshiner. But as time went by, and more and more folks commented on the post, I started to understand. “Popcorn” Sutton was a real character, and I say that in a respectful manner. While others seem to have known about him for a long time, it was only following his death that I have come to understand the interest in this slice of Americana.
How “Popcorn” Sutton landed on my blog is really due to the ability of a reporter to write a great obituary for the Wall Street Journal. After all, I like to read interesting obituaries. From time to time when I discover one that is well-written about a most intriguing person I post it here on my blog. So in March 2009 when I read about the life and passing of Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton I put down my newspaper and posted it. I had no way to know that I was about to connect with nearly 30,000 readers, (updated figure as of Dec. 2012) some who would leave comments like this one which arrived just last week.
I’m still sad and sick over his “passing”….I knew Popcorn and was one of the few “Yankees” who he trusted….I live in Upstate SC and travelled up to see him many times. I even named one of my dogs after him…”Little Popcorn”…..And I took him up to Marvins house just before he was “busted” for the second time….”YOU NAMED A DAWG AFTER ME??” he drawled…..My answer was “Yes Sir..a stray just like you”…He cackled and spent the afternoon taking “Little Popcorn” all over the property, just like a big old kid, “Billy Gibbons” beard and cigarette dangling from his mouth….
Late that afternoon, his wife Pam had supper ready….Venison, roasted potatoes, green beans and of course…..cornbread….
When I was getting ready to leave and had already loaded “Little Popcorn” into the truck me came sauntering out of his house…Put his right hand out to shake mine and a “gift” in his left hand…a jug of moonshine…”This is for you…and Thankee fer the day” is all he said…and walked back into the house….
And that was the last time I saw him alive…I followed everything with his second “bust” the only mistake he made was having a few shotguns with him…which turned his conviction into a “posession of a firearm by a convicted felon….and that he couldn’t “stand up” to no fault of his own…he was “broken down” and in bad health…At his funeral, I cried like a baby…and of course “Little Popcorn” was with me to say “goodbye” to his namesake and friend…Our good friend, Popcorn Sutton…
I still keep that jug of Moonshine on a shelf in my bedroom, unopened and untouched and always will remain as a memorial to him and what he “stood for”…..
With all the interest in this man I started to do some more research into “Popcorn” Sutton and found him to be a truly intriguing person that represented a certain period of our history, and a certain way of living. Without me making a judgment on ‘moonshine’ one thing can be stated as fact. “Popcorn” Sutton must have been mighty fun to have talked with, and watched in the hills as he worked.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 
We never meet popcorn but love the show moonshiners, it is a said time that the government made a wonderful person do this over moonshine, but will send our money over seas to people who hate us makes, no sense to me at all. This person was only trying to make a living with times that they are. Rest in peace popcorn sutton you will be sadly missed by alot of people who watched you and loved you…..
I am a new popcorn fan what a life and legacy this man lived i was inspired enough to tattoo his image on my leg. He seemed to be a man that did what he wanted when he wanted. An inspiration and a wish for a simple life.
Met Popcorn several years ago and got one of his first books and tapes. He was quite an interesting character. I stopped in and saw him several times after that first meeting and enjoyed every visit. Did not know of his death until I stopped and his old junk place was closed. His kind are never to be seen again.
So sorry for all your sorrows – “RIP Popcorn Sutten”. I’ve enjoyed reading about you. Dottie
Watching The Last One and Mountain Talk gives me a feeling of southern pride!
It is so real and just wonderful to watch these productions. I hope that the mountain folk never change.
Popcorn Sutton touched me deeply just by being himself. He had a passion and perfected it like no other. I have only been with him in my thoughts but would have cherished forever the opportunity to meet him in person.
To his wife and family I want all of them to know that we are all truly sorry that Popcorn has left us. He will forever be in my heart and thoughts.
I wish you well.
My Folks are of Scots Irish descendent and have passed down stories of the revenuers chasing my great granddaddy and his daddy before him and his daddy before him. Few generations ago my folks all lived in and around Maggie valley n.c. and blue ridge ga. Many of my kins knowed Marvin and his folks they passed stories to the younger generations that got passed to me. I wish id been able to meet him cause I hear all the stories about how good a fellor he was and only time he shows hate was toward revenuers. I remember my great granma cryin when Marvin “popcorn” Sutton passed.. he shall always be in our familys hearts….