Russell “Sonny” Dewayne Suggs was born on June 14, 1933, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and was called home to be with the Lord on August 5, 2025, at the age of 92. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Russell proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years, including an overseas deployment to Lakenheath A.F.B. in England during the Korean War. By the end of his service, he had risen to ground crew chief for the B-52 bomber.
Following his military service, Russell transitioned to civil service, where he supported the U.S. Air Force as an instructor and aircraft program manager at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, until his retirement in 1989 at age 55.
Russell enjoyed a wide range of activities, including playing golf, tennis, bowling, hunting, and traveling with his wife Shirley of 30 years. Together, they visited many destinations both in the United States and abroad.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Suggs; daughter, Sandra Suggs Peña; step-daughter, Andrea Moore; his parents, James Criss and Novvie Mable (Potts) Suggs; brothers, James Suggs Jr. and Vernon Suggs Sr.; and sister, Gloria Rickman.
Russell is survived by six children, Michael Suggs, Wesley Suggs (Katherine), Jeffrey Suggs (Peggy), Mark Suggs, Melynne Wulff, and Stacy Suggs (Tracy); sixteen grandchildren; one step-grandchild; twenty great-grandchildren; and his sister, Carole (Suggs) Martin. He was deeply loved by his family and had many dear friends.
A Memorial service will be held at Porter Loring North Chapel on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 11:30 AM, with a procession to Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery for his interment with Military Honors at 1:15 PM.
