As the son of Antonio Suarez and Celia Fraga Suarez, Dad was a native of Tampa, FL, where he was number 8 of 9 brothers. He always shared great stories with those around him as he could remember details like it was yesterday. The respect and admiration for our dad is immeasurable and to try and summarize his life is nearly impossible. He meant so much to all of us that we could create a book if all of our stories were written down. Our dad also had a passion for woodworking. Every piece that he built was made with love and was personified by a heart, which was his personal touch. Dad was filled with love for all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took pride in teaching all of us life skills so that we would not be afraid to deal with what life had in store.
A full military career in the United States Navy consisted of a number of tours into conflict areas throughout the West Pacific, Vietnam, and off the shores of the continental United States. As he rose to the rank of Master Chief, the highest level in the enlisted branch of the Navy, his dedication to duty and service to the nation were recognized by being awarded several commendations including 2 Secretary of the Navy Achievement Awards, a Good Conduct award, one for National Defense, 2 different medals for the Vietnam Campaign and a Navy Corps Commendation medal. Still being devoted to the military life, Dad continued working as a civil servant on the Naval Amphibious Base in San Diego, CA after retiring from his Navy service.
He is survived by his fiancé, Lydia Wheeler and children, Celia Antolin Harris, Eileen Maria Suarez Bigornia, and Hugh Suarez, Jr. (Susan), Erich Wheeler (Gladys) and Richard Wheeler (Adonica). His grandchildren, Breanna Young (Charlie), Rachel Miller (Patrick), Shelby Harris (Stone Peterson), Anthony Bigornia, Brandon Bigornia, Steven Bigornia and Nikkole Wheeler, Christian Files, Emily Suarez, Great-Grandchildren: Hanna and Mason Woods, Charlie and Celia Young, Bailey and Gage Miller. Erich Patrick Wheeler, Chase Aaron Wheeler, and Zachary P. Wheeler. His brothers, Augustine Alvarez (Connie) and Ceferino Suarez (Betty), Mariano Ausa (Aurea), and several nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria Antolin Suarez, his son-in-law, Terrance M. Harris, MD, his parents, and brothers, Jerry Alvarez, Ernie Alvarez, Reynaldo Alvarez, Tony Suarez, Mario Suarez, and Michael Suarez.
We will be receiving family and friends at a service and reception at Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church on January 2nd at 3:00pm. (2637 Highway 17 S, Garden City, SC 29576) Pastor Brad Bellah will officiate. Interment in San Diego, CA will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the following charities:
• Hospice of the Golden Isles
• Wolfson’s Children’s Challenge, Team Name: Iron Oaks
www.wolfsonchildrenschallenge.com
• Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, Garden City, SC
Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com
