Monte Dutton

Monte Dutton, of Clinton, South Carolina, passed away at 68. An award-winning racing journalist, sportswriter, author, musician, and lifelong storyteller, Monte built a distinguished career covering NASCAR, local and college sports.

Born April 8, 1958, in Clinton, South Carolina, Monte was the son of the late Jimmy and Betty Davis Dutton. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1976 and then cum laude from Furman University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Following graduation, Monte worked in Furman’s Sports Information Department before beginning a journalism career. He began covering NASCAR during one of the sport’s most celebrated eras. In the 1990s and 2000s, he worked for the Greenville News, the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, and the Gaston Gazette before transitioning to magazine work and a steady stream of freelance stories for online outlets. A lifelong supporter of local athletics, Monte maintained a long career covering high school and college sports throughout the Carolinas. In later years, he continued writing about Laurens County sports and Furman University and Presbyterian College athletics.

As a prolific and highly praised writer, Monte received numerous honors throughout his career. Monte’s books reflected the breadth of his interests. His final months were spent finalizing his 10th novel and first screenplay, The Graduate Transfer. An avid fan of alternative country and Americana music, Monte enjoyed writing songs, singing, and playing guitar. Music offered another outlet for his creativity and his appreciation for honest storytelling. Whether writing about a race, reporting on a local sports team, or performing for family and friends, Monte followed his interests with curiosity, individuality, and warmth.

Monte will be remembered for his contributions to sports journalism, his knowledge of NASCAR, his published works, his musical talent, and the friendships he formed throughout his life. His work and the memories he leaves behind will continue to be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, readers, and the many people whose lives he touched.

He is survived by his siblings, Ginger Sacarrere of Laurens and Brack Dutton of Virginia Beach; his nieces and nephews, Ray Phillips (Jessica), Jake Phillips, Vince Phillips (Kendall), Ella Carr (Tony) and Sam McCollum, aunt Linda Davis, cousin Willard Davis, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Dee Dee McCollum.

A memorial service will be held at the new Clinton High School gymnasium Wednesday, October 28th at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clinton High School Booster Club, PO Box 1131 Clinton, SC 29325 or the Furman Paladin Club, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613-5684.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Dutton family with services.