The Tragic Way Legendary Moonshiner Popcorn Sutton Died

Publish date: 2024-05-05

Before Popcorn Sutton died, he made little effort to conceal the nature of his business. He typically dressed in overalls, with a vintage-style fedora over slicked-back hair, and a wild, salt 'n' pepper beard — like a '30s-era moonshiner traveled through time to the modern era, according to Smoky Mountain News. Sutton pleaded guilty to the illegal production of distilled spirits and possessing a handgun as a felon. NBC News reported that 1,700 gallons of moonshine were discovered between Sutton's property and in a storage unit. He also had a number of stills, firearms, and ammunition, among other types of moonshine supplies in his possession.

Sutton was sentenced to 18 months in prison on his fifth conviction. He had served probation in the past. Referring to Sutton, Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin said (via NBC News) "I think most people have a warm feeling for him, but he bragged so much about it [moonshining]. And then he got into it in such a big way. He wasn't just a poor old moonshiner trying to make a few dollars." His moonshine had a "mythical quality," as Mountain Xpress put it.

Sutton's notoriety and singular nature made him the subject of many books and documentaries, such as "Me and My Likker," ghostwritten with Ernestine Upchurch, per AppalachianHistory.net. Sutton also granted actor and comedian Johnny Knoxville (Jackass) an interview shortly before his death (via Knoxville News Sentinel).

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