"Big Ben" Franklin Suggs

Mr. "Big Ben" Franklin Suggs was born in Leighton, Alabama, to the late Mr. Frank James Suggs and Mrs. Rosa Mae Suggs on May 26, 1938. He passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.

Ben came to Chattanooga, TN in 1944 with his mom. He was educated in both Cobb and Hamilton County school systems. He went to Leighton Training School in Alabama and Booker T. Washington School when he came to Chattanooga. He worked at Lincoln Park in Chattanooga running the Ferris wheel and swings. Ben then decided he wanted to be his own “boss” and started his own businesses in the early 1970’s where he had clubs to restaurants also being a D.J. spinning records and his own carpenter business called Big Ben Enterprise. The last business he had was called Big Ben B.B.Q. on MLK Boulevard. After the closing of that business, he didn’t let that stop him. He bought a food truck and traveled state to state, city to city and sold his award winning BBQ in many festivals like the Bessie Smith Strut, Cornbread Festival and etc.

Ben was the life of the party and everyone knew if you wanted to eat, drink, and listen to music you needed to go to Big Ben’s house. He was a family man and always wanted to get family together to cook out on the grill. He was a caring and loving person who was always willing to help when someone was in need. He cherished all his friendships and always gave good advice and wisdom.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank James Suggs and Rosa Suggs; late wife, Cora Lee Suggs; one daughter, Vicki Suggs; one grandson, Demetrius Suggs; one great-grandchild Rannisha Powell.

He leaves to cherish in his memory, lifelong companion of 44 years, Ms. Patricia Townsend of Chattanooga; four daughters, Avery, Alice (Curtis), Tori, and Sheri (Chad) Suggs all of Chattanooga; two sons, Jarvis and Michael (Lisa) Suggs all of Chattanooga; four sisters, two brothers all of Detroit, Michigan; 36 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; best friends, Melvin McClendon and Bo Estes; play sister, Terri Glover and a host of family and friends.

The family will receive friends 10AM-12PM, Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Orchard Knob Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be 12PM, Saturday, August 4, 2018 in the chapel of Orchard Knob Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Highland Cemetery.