William Glenn Sutton (78), passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026, in his Virginia home, following the greatest battle of his life against ALS. His beloved wife, Claudia, was by his side.
Woody was born in Brunswick, Georgia, on July 5, 1948, to W. Glenn Sutton and Margaret B. Sutton, both great parents and pillars of their community.
In 1966, he graduated from Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Georgia, and earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland. He graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture. Following USNA graduation, he earned a full scholarship to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and obtained Master of Science Degrees in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
His distinguished naval career started at sea where he served as Antisubmarine Warfare Officer aboard the USS JONAS INGRAM (DD 938); Weapons Officer aboard USS PAUL (FF 1080); Weapons Officer and Operations Officer aboard USS SURIBACHI (AE 21); and Commissioning Executive Officer of USS KIDD (DDG 993), the lead ship of a new class of destroyers.
As he ascended the promotion ladder, Sutton commanded the USS CALLAGHAN (DDG 994), the second of the KIDD-class destroyers. He became Commodore of Destroyer Squadron TWO FOUR; and, then Sutton served as Chief of Staff to Commander NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic and United States SECOND Fleet.
Ashore, he served as an engineering instructor at the US Naval Academy; as Naval Aide to President Ronald Reagan; as Director of the Surface Warfare Officer Perspective Officer (PCO) and Perspective Executive Officer (PXO) Schools Command in Newport, RI; as Director of Navy Programs in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, where he met Claudia and their love story began!
In 1996, he was promoted to flag rank and his first flag commands were Naval Base Pearl Harbor and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. Rear Admiral Sutton’s final at sea assignment was as Commander Amphibious Group TWO. Among his many awards, he was honored with the Defense Superior Service, Legions of MERIT, Meritorious Services and Commendation Medals.
After retirement from the Navy, he turned to promoting and defending US business interests. Sutton became President and CEO of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), a manufacturers’ trade association. He served in that leadership role from 2000-2007; during his ARI tenure, he became a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
In 2007, President George W. Bush nominated Sutton to become the Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served from 2007 until the end of President Bush’s Administration. The Office of Manufacturing and Services is the federal government’s lead advocate for U.S. industry.
Sutton’s next leadership role was President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), simultaneously serving as the President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, from 2009 until retirement in 2015. He brought experienced leadership and a strong sense of stewardship, accomplishing many goals. During his tenure, he expanded programs and established the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame to recognize individuals who contributed substantially to the industry.
He served on numerous national boards including: American National Standards Institute; North American Technician Excellence; National Association of Manufacturers’ Council of Manufacturers; National Capitol Council of the Boy Scouts of America; and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. In 2013, he was honored to receive the very prestigious Distinguished Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America, long after he achieved Eagle Scout at age 15 as a member of Troop 204 in Georgia. The Suttons retired to their home in Viera, Florida, where Woody and Claudia played golf, sometimes well but most times poorly! They also enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their Florida home.
He was an amazing man and a great American Patriot who served his country with love, grace and dignity for 30 years. He loved his county, his family, and his friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a gentleman in EVERYTHING he did, including his valiant battle against ALS. Woody is survived by his wife, Claudia Mansfield Sutton; his sister, Leslie D. Sutton; and his nephews, M. Sutton Biletzskov (Ashley) and William G. Biletzskov (Brittany).
Visitation will be held at Fairfax Memorial on Thursday, October 1, from 4:00-7:00 PM.
A private funeral service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Friends and family are welcome to an open house at the Sutton family home in Arlington, Virginia, on Saturday, October 3 from 12:00 Noon until 4:00 PM.
He will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery at a future time, probably 4-6 months, to be determined by the cemetery
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Naval Academy Alumni Association, under the “Make a Gift” tab, search for the “Crew Excellence Fund.”
Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home
9902 Braddock Road
Fairfax, VA 22032
(703) 425-9702
Updated: September 24, 2026
Curator: Ed Moore