Hugh Sutherland, 90, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away on July 22, 2023, from complications of cancer. He was born November 24, 1932, in Greenwood, Mississippi to Hugh Lewis Sutherland Sr. and O’Bera Cooper Sutherland. He grew up on a farm outside of Greenwood with his brother, Malcolm and his parents and was an Eagle Scout. Hugh graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1953 and Vanderbilt University Medical school in 1957. He served as a Captain in Pediatric Medicine in the US Air Force Medical Corps from 1959-1961 at Eglin Airforce Base, Florida.
After a Pediatric Residency at the University of Oklahoma, Hugh practiced pediatric medicine and later switched to pediatric and adult allergy medicine, starting the Huntsville Allergy Clinic in 1970 until his retirement in 1996. During his years in Huntsville, he was a past president of the Madison Medical Association. He was also a founding member and former president of the Alabama Society of Allergy and Immunology.
Hugh supported varied community activities and athletics. He led efforts to build a new indoor swimming pool and to convert the Rocket City Athletic Club to the Huntsville Swim Association. Hugh was a long-time supporter of the Huntsville Museum of Art. An enthusiastic golf player, he continued to play long after his retirement.
Hugh was preceded in death by his brother, Malcolm, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy; children, Elizabeth Sutherland (Dallas, TX), Margaret Wallis (Ellicott City, MD), Hugh (Chip) Sutherland III (Frisco, TX), Hunter Copeland (Huntsville, AL), and Brent Copeland (Huntsville, AL); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26 at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.
