There arent any more not in his form or fashion, thats for sure., Julia Merchant contributed to this article. And Popcorn, who refused to pay taxes and considered moonshine part of his dont tread on me heritage, wore his rebel badge with pride. He was quite a Character. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Moonshining was legal in the United States for the first time a year after his death. Pam creates handmade art glass and jewelry. He was convicted in 1974 of selling untaxed liquor[3][7] and in 1981 and 1985 on charges of possessing controlled substances and assault with a deadly weapon, but received only probation sentences until the 1985 arrest, after which he served time in the Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville. He was a whole lot smarter than people gave him credit for. Grosser returned on March 16, 2009 to finalize the deal with Popcorn, who was scheduled to go to prison four days later. As only a legend would be, Popcorn Sutton was actually buried twice. "You might say he embodied a kind of Appalachian archetype, a character trait of fearlessness and fierce loyalty to regional identity even in the face of personal persecution and stereotyping," said Ted Olson, a regional writer and faculty member in East Tennessee State University's Department of Appalachian Studies. [39] At the time of the announcement, it had not been decided whether the Popcorn Sutton brands would continue to be produced under contract by the distillery or not.[39]. 4 mos. Some people have questioned whether or not Pam Sutton is worthy of the money she has been left. He also had a coffin ready in his living room. Pam Suttons moonshine is still highly sought-after, and she has won multiple awards for her products. [3] [4] [5] He wrote a self-published . Ever since the death of her former partner Jim, Pam gradually avoided appearance in the media. [7], Sutton died by suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning on March 16, 2009, apparently to avoid a federal prison term due to begin a few days later. moonshine was made from a recipe passed down through the generations and was sold in the back of his Ford Model A truck. On February 7, 2008, a biker arrived at Popcorns house saying he wanted to buy more than 50 gallons of moonshine. Sutton's last arrest followed a raid in which authorities found nearly 1,700 gallons of moonshine in Parrottsville and a storage unit in Maggie Valley, N.C., three stills, supplies, firearms and ammunition. [2] (A woman named Ernestine Upchurch, with whom Sutton had been living in the 1990s, later said she helped write the book. The pulley consists of two ropes attached to a pair of Timberland boots, so that Pams legs could be more easily hoisted in the air. he seemed to be a kind old soul. He honed the perfection of the craft, much like his father and grandfather had before him. The two made a deal to open Popcorn Sutton Distilling and sell his whiskey on the open market, taxes and all. When Popcorn Sutton died in 2009, he left behind a large sum of money. In March 2008, they raided his home and seized 800 gallons of the illegal liquor, three stills with 1,000-gallon capacities, hundreds of gallons of moonshine-making ingredients such as mash and many guns. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. His thick shaggy beard and slight frame completed the prototypical image of a backwoods mountaineer. How do you explain Bill and JB from Moonshiners? She hadn't seen him since she was 2, though they had talked on the phone. When I heard how Popcorn was treated and that he wanted me to be involved in carrying on his legacy, I was immediately in. Facebook gives people the power to. If he liked you he liked you, and if he didnt, you better stay away, recalled Carver. As Sutton's business continued to flourish, he got involved in several legal issues, such as selling untaxed liquor, possessing controlled substances, and assaulting with a deadly weapon (between 1981 and 1985). The lawsuit was settled in 2014. [39] Copper stills for the facility were made by Vendome Copper and Brass in Louisville, Kentucky. I can't be the only one that misses Popcorn Sutton.I would have loved to pick his brain. After Popcorn Suttons death in 2014, Pam was left with a large sum of money. He apparently got right back to work. Two of Suttons other documentaries, 'Popcorn Sutton: A Hell of a Life' and 'Squzz Corn N' Ole Scratch' (short), were released in 2014 and 2012, respectively, after his death. However, most believe it was either due to vandalism of the original site or a family dispute with his widow. He was a moonshiner and bootlegger from the United States Appalachian region. Pam Sutton is the wife of the late Marvin Popcorn Sutton, who was a legendary moonshiner from the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee. Most of it happened in the last 20 years, if not longer. Thus, it took him forever to clear his debts. Even though he is no longer alive, his legacy of moonshine production lives on. Even though technically he wasn't a member of "Moonshiners," his life and work inspired the series, which later kept his memory alive throughout its run. The sale included only the distillery, not the brands, which are owned by Popcorn Sutton Distilling LLC, which is based in Ohio. On October 25, 2013, Tennessee whiskey brand Jack Daniel's Properties sued Popcorn Sutton's whiskey brand for copying their newly redesigned bottle. He used the freshest white corn for his mash and the coldest, cleanest stream water. Popcorn Suttons legal fight to legalize moonshine resulted in his suicide and subsequent criminal prosecution, but it was his legal fight to legalize the spirit that led to his death. "I just hope and pray they don't send me off (to prison).". Over the next few weeks, Sutton sold more than 100 additional gallons of moonshine each to two different men and showed another guy the barn where three working stills and 500 gallons of moonshine sat, ready to roll. It took his money, but didnt produce popcorn, eliciting a few swift blows from Sutton to crack open the machine. So credit the federal government for my husband being dead, I really do," she said. How Old - Age: 80. [20] Mrs. Sutton said, "He called it his three-jar car because he gave three jugs of liquor for it. Haywood mans presidential pardon reveals systemic inequities, Town of Waynesville will pursue staggered terms for aldermen, SCC grad inspires latest New Century Scholars. His recipe, on the other hand, still lives on and is produced at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery in Kentucky. Pass the Mountain Dew! June 5, 2022 Posted by: Category: Uncategorized; No Comments . A moonshine is a spirit created by fermenting cane juice. Sutton was in a live-in relationship with Ernestine Upchurch, who later helped him write his autobiography. Per NBC News, the famed moonshiner and bootlegger Popcorn Sutton died by suicide, possibly to avoid serving time in federal prison. Paul Stanley (born Stanley Bert Eisen; January 20, 1952) is an American musician who is the co-founder, frontman, rhythm guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the hard rock band Kiss.He is the writer or co-writer of many of the band's most popular songs. All Rights Reserved. Damian Sutton, 2, has died at a Detroit hospital after being taken off life support. According to the report, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama have the most moonshiners, with a combined total of 1,634 stills seized by law enforcement. In 2009, he committed suicide to avoid going to jail, and because of his cancer diagnosis, he died. He received the nickname of Popcorn after he attacked a faulty popcorn vending machine with a pool cue out of frustration. The states with the most moonshiners, on the other hand, are not among the top five for per capita moonshine production. [18] The judge noted that Sutton was still under probation in Tennessee at the time of the federal raid, and said that putting a man on probation again after being convicted five times of various crimes would not serve the community interest. When Popcorn Sutton was sentenced to jail in 2009 for moonshining, Pam stood by her husband. An incident report filed by the Cocke County Sheriff's Department says that Sutton was discovered dead in his 1982 Ford Fairmont when his wife, Pam Sutton, returned from running errands. Sutton was convicted multiple times for selling moonshine without a license. Sutton learned to make moonshine at an early age. Its empty. "He would tell you exactly what he thought, whether you wanted to hear it or not. Probably because its still illegal to make shine. He had got the footstone made in advance and had kept for years by his front porch. Popcorns attire rarely varied: overalls, a flannel shirt and gray brimmed hat, occasionally adorned with a squirrel tail. Autopsy results may be weeks away. While the series typically follows current moonshiners, part of the show features the late Marvin "Popcorn" Sutton. The story of the life of Popcorn Sutton shows that Americans are still not really free! Although he passed away a few years before the show premiered, the series used previous documentary footage shot by director Neal Hutcheson for his own films, allowing fans to see the legendary moonshiner in his natural habitat. ", Maggie Valley, NC Mark, Digger and JB are close to completing the first run of liquor anyones made here since Popcorn Sutton did his last run 20 years ago #Moonshiners on @Discovery and @discoveryplus https://t.co/mJGWJuEHZO pic.twitter.com/RohfOaMOKq. However, Sutton continued producing liquor barrels, and the business eventually grew more prominent. By deadorkicking.com Editorial Team. He always stayed true to his craft, Upchurch tells me, which was making liquor. Her family includes her husband Dean Sutton of 39 years, son Ian Sutton, daughter Bess Wimer, brother LaRue Breasette, Sister Brenda Oswald, and son Rick Oswald. In Maggie Valley, he opened an antique shop as a front, soon a destination for eager buyers from across the region. Pamela M. Sutton-Wallace serves as Director of the Company. In 1985, he was convicted again for a felony assault with a weapon with intent, for which he received another three-year sentence. Could it still be set up, as a shrine monument?? Popcorn grew up in Maggie Valley and called it home for most of his life, but had largely taken up residence in his later years in Parrrotsville, Tenn., the rural and sparsely populated country around Newport. [18][19] In January 2009, Sutton, who had used a public defender as his attorney in the case and had pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 18 months in a federal prison for illegally distilling spirits and possession of a firearm (a .38-caliber handgun) as a felon. I can relate to that, as I am the same way. He was handed down light charges at the time, netting nothing more than probation. So he Wooped the hell out of it with a pool stick. . During a fire in one of Suttons properties in 2007, firefighters discovered a large cache of untaxed liquor hidden in the attic. He was convicted of moonshining and illegal firearm possession offenses and was scheduled to report to federal prison in March 2009, but he committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. In 1974, he was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and charged with multiple violations. Drinks for urban drinkers If you want a mason jar to store Popcorn Suttons XXX Tennessee White Whiskey, you can also get it. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the states with the most illegal stills are Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama. His archive footages were featured in the 2016 docuseries 'Moonshiners.'. Stanley established The Starchild character for his Kiss persona. Some Popcorn Sutton branded products can still be purchased directly from the original company. While his standard moonshine tasted like sweet, buttery corn, his infusionspears, peaches, figs, black cherriescemented his greatness. 'Moonshiner' Josh Owens Is Seemingly Prone to Injury, Here's Exactly How the 'Moonshiners' Avoid Getting Arrested. The most notable thing about the grave? P.O. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/popcorn-sutton-46282.php. Popcorn was one of a kind, a man who told it like it was! says Williams. On March 16, 2009, Sutton, a resident of Northbridge, England, died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. As part of his undercover investigation, an undercover federal officer discovered that Sutton had 500 gallons of moonshine in his possession. They were not invited. Back then, he lived on Snowbird Mountain. Sutton began his moonshining and bootlegging empire with just one barrel, that too, at a time when they were considered illicit businesses in the US. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 828.452.4251. His daughter claimed that he had told her in advance that he would kill himself rather than go to jail. Inspired by the story, Grosser suggested they partner on a distillery and sell Popcorns moonshine legally. In fact, he came from a long line of bootleggers. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the estate of Kate Sutton is valued at around $500 thousand. I enjoyed watching his video it was entertaining to watch this man a Legend from the past a way of life how he fed and took care of his family. Hi my Name is Angel. [35] According to press reports, Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey would be initially distributed in Tennessee and throughout the southeast. Popcorn Sutton Wife Death Moreover, there were several petitions made to reduce his sentence. Dean Sutton of 39 years and his wife, Christine Sutton; their son, Ian; mother, Bessie Wimer; and sister,Brenda Oswald, all of whom preceded her in death, are among those who have passed away. Popcorn has never been secretive about his tendency for making moonshine. His mind would just not accept it. In 1982, Memphis Popcorn Sutton helped to found the industrys first terminal. "The way she's breathing is just freaking me the f-k out, man" Josh said during the scary experience. To elude the cops, he switched up the cars oftenit was a 46 Willis Jeep one trip, a 53 Ford convertible the next. "He couldn't go to prison. Sutton was sentenced to 18 months in prison in January 2009 for tax evasion. To distinguish himself from the competition, he took pride in quality. [8][16][17], In March 2008, Sutton told an undercover federal officer that he had 500 gallons of moonshine in Tennessee and another 400 gallons in Maggie Valley that he was ready to sell. He had pleaded guilty last April. For now, let's learn about Popcorn Sutton and his cause of death. But so did the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who launched a full-scale investigation, including undercover agents that struck deals to buy large quantities of moonshine from him. One Christmas at the Cocke County police department, deputy Armando Fontes got a gift from a mysterious man with a long white beard. Popcorn lives on but now in a rural mountain in northern Tennessee. Soon after Sutton's demise, there were rumors that suggested his grave had been vandalized. moonshine must be made from cracked corn, and the kernels must be large enough to break down into sugar during fermentation. Image Credit Birthday: October 5, 1946 ( Libra) Born In: Maggie Valley, North Carolina, United States 56 22 Writers #2968 Criminals #316 Quick Facts Also Known As: Marvin Sutton Died At Age: 62 Family: His white lightning wasnt just potent and sweetit was illegal. Read Also: Legend or lawbreaker: The real story of Popcorn Sutton. In addition to serving probation after being caught with over 650 gallons of moonshine, he was also convicted of selling alcohol without a license. There is no doubt that JB and Bill will be fondly remembered as two exceptional individuals. Sutton was arrested by an undercover police officer in 2008 after he admitted to storing large amounts of illegal alcohol in another location. Pam Sutton, who became Sutton's fourth wife in 2007, said carbon monoxide may be the method but that's not what killed him. They should of left him alone he was part of our great history, 2021 The Smoky Mountain News. Pam Sutton had that steadfast determination and through her incredible penmanship, we can still see just how fast and who won and who . Still, Popcorn has retained close ties to Maggie Valley, and the town is often viewed as the main stomping ground of the mountains most infamous shiner. In a cabin Popcorn built in the woods, I swill from an old jar of his cinnamon and cider apple pie moonshine with Ernestine Upchurch, a bawdy older woman in white pants and a polka-dot shirt, who dated Popcorn prior to his marriage and describes herself as the love of his life. Popcorn Sutton did this in his capacity as the leader of Popcorn Sutton Inc. He was methodical about his brand and making a living, Grosser recalls. Pam Sutton sits down with Rick to discuss Popcorn Sutton The Rick Dollar Show 836 subscribers Subscribe 913 Share 124K views 7 years ago Pam Sutton discusses Popcorn Sutton and her. In a move to perhaps cement his legendary status for all of eternity, Popcorn Sutton committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning just days before his federal prison term was scheduled to begin in 2009. If Suttons prison sentence seems light considering his many crimes, it was in part due to his age. Popcorn told him he sold that much all the time and, after bragging about his whiskey and his guns, sent the man away with 80 gallons of his own. 33 Years old foodie & cookie lover. 1929 wheat penny. No bootlegger, however, would become as enigmatic as Popcorn. He was well-known in the entertainment industry for his stage name and custom copper stills, and he made a name for himself. He considered moonshining his birth rite. He hated the persona, says his widow, Pam Sutton. From that moment on, the locals called him Popcorna reminder that this was one moonshiner you didnt want to cross. In 1999, he launched his self-published autobiography, 'Me and My Likker,' which also chronicled the incredible journey of moonshine production. What does this report reveal about the states with the most moonshiners? View the profiles of people named Pamela Sutton. Sutton, an infamous moonshiner, had been trying to outrun revenuers for more than three decades now. Is Popcorn Sutton still alive? From back rooms to barrooms, locals tell me sordid tales of Popcorns violent temper. The boy's mother's boyfriend has admitted to beating the child and is expected to face additional charges [2][10][11] The New York Times later called it "a rambling, obscene, and often hilarious account of his life in the trade". [33] Dubbed "Popcorn Sutton's Tennessee White Whiskey", it was marketed as having been produced on stills designed by Sutton using his secret family recipe and techniques Sutton entrusted to former Supercross professional Jamey Grosser of J&M Concepts. On Monday, she came home from running errands and found him dead in his old Ford. He was just a skinny little farmer-looking guy who would come around and talk and cut up, he explains. Hutchesons coffee table book style biography, The Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton is a glimpse into Popcorns wit, jokes and hillbilly way of life. Popcorn Suttons story is both tragic and a testament to the ravages of cancer that cancer can cause. Jim Tom, his moonshine, was estimated to be worth more than $20 million. She even went so far as to testify on his behalf at his sentencing hearing. He was convicted of moonshining and illegal firearms possession as a result of his moonshining conviction. While some revile the folkloric status Popcorn has achieved, denouncing him as a common criminal, few can argue that Popcorn was a bridge to the past, a window on a vanishing part of Appalachian culture.

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