A city rich in history, Clarksville has been home to famous faces and interesting places since 1786. Stroll through historic downtown and you’ll find architectural treasures, public art, and hidden gems at every turn. One of the newest additions, and fun favorites, is the statue of Frank Sutton on Franklin Street.
Sutton, a Clarksville native, is affectionately remembered as Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the TV series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. This Andy Griffith spin-off ran from 1964-1969 and starred Sutton as the boorish, in-your-face Sgt Carter. The statue represents his iconic stance in the long-running series.
Born in Clarksville, Sutton’s family moved to Nashville when he was eight years old. Sutton attended Columbia University, majoring in Dramatic Arts. After graduation he returned to his hometown and became a radio announcer.
In 1943, Sutton answered the call of the U.S. Army. During World War II and he served in the South Pacific from 1943-1946 in the 293rd Joint Assault Signal Company. He had 14 assault landings and left military service with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
After his honorable discharge from military service, Sutton returned to his first passion, acting. What began in high school soon carried through into small roles on a series of TV shows and movies in the 1950s and early 1960s.
It wasn’t until his big break in the 1955 Academy Award-winning movie, Marty, that his career began to take off. Several television appearances and supporting movie roles later led Sutton to his appearance on The Andy Griffith Show. He continued the role in Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. for five seasons until the show ended its run in 1969.
Sutton continued small TV appearances and on-stage theatrical productions until his death in 1974. He is buried in the Greenwood Cemetery near downtown Clarksville.
Sources:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0840308/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Sutton