Raymond ‘Ray’ Andrew Suddeth
Raymond “Ray” Andrew Suddeth, 69, of Monticello, passed April 13, 2017 surrounded by family.
Ray was born in 1947 in DeKalb County, where he was also raised. After graduating from Avondale High School, Ray served his country by joining the National Guard and served the communities and people of the city of Atlanta and DeKalb County as a police officer. When his time of service ended, Ray was a polygraph examiner before opening a bonding company. His business was located in DeKalb County and he continued to serve metro-Atlanta area residents by also opening an alarm and security services company.
Ray’s hobby in recent years was farming. He would be found nearly any day of the week on his farm taking care of the farm animals, including his dog Belle. Known affectionately as “Granddaddy” to all of his grandchildren, on weekends it was not uncommon to see Ray giving his granddaughters “eskimo kisses” or teaching his grandsons how to fish. When not on the farm, Ray enjoyed spending time on St. Simon’s Island, eating shrimp and, from time to time, enjoying a cigar.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Judy Suddeth, of Monticello, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Christina and Terry Jordan (Keelie and Kinsley) of Newborn, Jennifer and Jeff Williams (Andrew “Drew”) of Gray, Lauren and Adam Long (Jake and Lucy) of Watkinsville; sons and daughters-in-law, Ben and Rebecca Schaffer (Charlotte and Elizabeth) of Bogart, Matt and Gail Schaffer (Maddie and Griffin) of Decatur; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Hazel Suddeth of Tucker.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Margaret Suddeth, his sister, Nancy Elliott and granddaughter, Catherine Grace Schaffer.
A celebration of Ray’s life was held Wednesday, April 19, 2017 in the chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Peek officiating. A private, graveside inurnment followed at Honey Creek Woodlands Cemetery in Conyers, with Deacon Bob Hauert officiating.
Donations may be made to Honey Creek Woodlands c/o A Bridge to Grace in honor of Raymond Suddeth at http://mpschaffer.wixsite.com/mysite/donate.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler Funeral Home & Crematory, 11405 Brown Bridge RD, Covington, GA 30016. 770-786-7111 www.wheelerfuneralhome.com