Popcorn Sutton was an American moonshiner and bootlegger known for his legendary moonshine-making skills and rebellious nature. He became a cultural icon, especially in Appalachian folk history, for his defiant attitude towards authorities and his dedication to traditional moonshining methods. Despite numerous legal issues, Sutton gained fame through documentaries, books, and reality TV. This article explores Popcorn Sutton’s net worth, personal life, career, and legacy in detail.
Quick Bio: Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
| Full Name | Marvin “Popcorn” Sutton |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Maggie Valley, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | March 16, 2009 |
| Age at Death | 62 years old |
| Cause of Death | Suicide (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian (Appalachian) |
| Occupation | Moonshiner, Bootlegger, Author |
| Famous For | Making and selling moonshine, documentaries |
| Wife | Pamela Sutton |
| Children | At least one known daughter |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 (at the time of his death) |
Net Worth
Popcorn Sutton’s net worth was estimated to be around $500,000 at the time of his death in 2009. His wealth came primarily from illegal moonshine production and sales, as well as from books and documentaries that chronicled his life. Despite his rebellious and anti-establishment nature, he capitalized on his notoriety through various media appearances.
Sources of Income:
- Moonshine Business – Although illegal, Sutton was a skilled bootlegger who sold homemade whiskey for decades.
- Books & Media – He authored an autobiography and was featured in several TV specials and documentaries.
- Merchandising – After his death, his name and brand were used for legal moonshine production.
Though he never lived a lavish lifestyle, his underground moonshine business and media fame ensured he had a steady income.
Early Life and Background
Marvin Sutton was born on October 5, 1946, in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, he was exposed to moonshining from an early age. Moonshine production was a long-standing tradition in his family and community.
Popcorn inherited the skills of distilling alcohol from his ancestors. His rebellious and free-spirited nature made him an infamous figure in the moonshine industry. He took pride in keeping the old traditions alive and strongly opposed government regulations on liquor production.
Age and Physical Appearance
At the time of his death, Popcorn Sutton was 62 years old.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Around 150 lbs (68 kg)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Gray (due to age)
- Distinctive Features:
- Long beard
- Wore a straw or trucker hat
- Signature overalls
- Often seen smoking a cigarette
His rugged mountain-man look became iconic, making him instantly recognizable.
Education
Popcorn Sutton did not pursue higher education. Instead, he learned everything he knew from hands-on experience. Growing up in a rural Appalachian setting, formal schooling took a backseat to practical skills such as hunting, farming, and, most notably, moonshining.
His real education came from the elders in his community who taught him the secrets of making high-quality homemade whiskey. He perfected his craft over the years, earning a reputation for producing some of the best moonshine in the Appalachian region.
His Father
There is limited publicly available information about Popcorn Sutton’s father. However, it is known that Sutton came from a long line of moonshiners, suggesting that his father may have been involved in the trade as well.
Sutton often mentioned in interviews that he learned about distilling from the older generation, implying that his father or male relatives played a role in his moonshining education.
His Mother
Similar to his father, Popcorn Sutton’s mother remained largely out of the public eye. Appalachian families were typically private, and personal details about his upbringing are scarce. However, it is believed that she played a traditional role in raising him in the close-knit mountain community.
Children
Popcorn Sutton reportedly had at least one known daughter, though details about his children are scarce. Unlike her father, she chose to stay out of the spotlight and live a private life.
Some sources suggest he may have had more children, but there is little verified information available.
Who Is Popcorn Sutton?
Popcorn Sutton was a legendary moonshiner known for his defiant attitude towards law enforcement and his commitment to traditional whiskey-making methods.
Why Was He Famous?
- Moonshine Production – He became one of the most well-known bootleggers in modern history.
- Legal Troubles – Multiple arrests for illegal alcohol production made him a folk hero.
- Media Appearances – He starred in documentaries, including “This is the Last Dam Run of Likker I’ll Ever Make.”
- Book Author – He wrote “Me and My Likker,” a self-published autobiography.
His outlaw lifestyle and refusal to follow government alcohol regulations made him an Appalachian icon.
Current Life (Before His Death)
Before his death in 2009, Popcorn Sutton faced serious legal troubles. In 2008, he was arrested by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) for producing and distributing illegal liquor.
Legal Issues and Arrest
- He was caught with over 800 gallons of moonshine and illegal firearms.
- Sutton pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in 2009.
Fearing he would not survive in prison due to his age and health issues, he took his own life before serving his sentence.
Death and Cause of Death
Popcorn Sutton died on March 16, 2009, at the age of 62. He was found dead in his car near his home in Parrottsville, Tennessee.
Cause of Death:
- Suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning
- He connected a hose from the exhaust pipe to the car’s interior
- His wife, Pamela Sutton, found him
Why Did He Take His Own Life?
- He was about to start serving his 18-month federal prison sentence
- He believed he would not survive prison due to his age and health
- He wanted to die on his own terms rather than in jail
Sutton was buried in his backyard in Parrottsville, Tennessee, as per his wishes.
Legacy
Despite his death, Popcorn Sutton’s legacy lives on:
- His name is now associated with legal moonshine brands.
- His documentaries and book continue to inspire moonshiners.
- He is remembered as a symbol of rebellion against government alcohol laws.
His wife, Pamela Sutton, later commercialized a legal version of his moonshine recipe, keeping his memory alive.
Conclusion
Popcorn Sutton was more than just a moonshiner—he was a cultural icon. His dedication to traditional Appalachian distilling methods, his rebellious spirit, and his tragic end made him a legendary figure. Although his career was marred by legal troubles, he left behind a legacy that still influences the world of whiskey and moonshine today.
FAQ‘s Popcorn Sutton Net Worth
1. How much was Popcorn Sutton worth?
At the time of his death, he had an estimated net worth of $500,000.
2. How did Popcorn Sutton die?
He committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning in March 2009.
3. Who was Popcorn Sutton’s wife?
His wife was Pamela Sutton.
4. Did Popcorn Sutton have children?
Yes, he reportedly had at least one known daughter.
5. What was Popcorn Sutton’s height?
He was about 5 feet 7 inches tall.
6. What was Popcorn Sutton famous for?
He was famous for his moonshine-making skills, rebellious attitude, and media appearances.
