Former Apex Town Manager, Town Councilmember, and Mayor, Mr. William “Bill” Sutton Jr. passed away on July 27, 2024, just shy of his eighty-eighth (88) birthday.
“I’m saddened by the passing of former Mayor, Town Councilmember, and Town Manager, Bill Sutton,” said current Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert. “I had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Mr. Sutton. Our beloved Apex community experienced significant change during his combined service, and Mr. Sutton’s vision and passion positioned Apex for success. He was very action and results oriented, and very effective with getting things done.”
Sutton moved to the Apex Community in 1993 after being appointed as the Apex Town Manager, a position he held until his retirement in 2001. Prior to his appointment as Town Manager, Mr. Sutton served in other town management positions in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
In 1993, Apex was approximately 5,500 residents. The first commercial building approved for construction during Mr. Sutton’s tenure was a popular fast food restaurant “Wendy’s” in 1995 located on Highway 64 entering the Apex corporate limits. Apex was approximately 25,000 residents at the time of Mr. Sutton’s retirement in 2001.
While serving as Town Manager, several town facilities were built, including the Public Works and Utilities Center (1994), the Apex Community Center (2001), and Town Hall (2001).
The downtown portion of Salem Street was completely repaved, new sidewalks were added, and 23 new street lights, with electrical outlets, were installed, following several heated and robust conversations related to the costs in 1994. “I am proud we were able to convince the Town Council of this needed investment in our downtown.” said Sutton in a video recorded last year as part of the town’s 150th celebration.
Sutton was elected to the Apex Town Council in November of 2005 and served a four-year term. He was part of the first elected members to be elected as Apex Board of Commissioners, which changed in name on January 1, 2006, to Apex Town Council. Prior to his election victory, Mr. Sutton was appointed to the Apex Planning Board in 2003 and served as Chair and Vice-Chair.
Following Former Mayor Keith Weatherly’s resignation in 2014, Sutton was appointed as Mayor to complete the term which ended December of 2015. The hard work exhibited by town employees, council members, and residents remained a point of pride and satisfaction to him.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Apex United Methodist Church located at 100 South Hughes Street in Apex, North Carolina. His family will receive relatives and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial, with military honors, will be in Apex Cemetery.