Jerry Clay Suiter Sr.

Jerry Clay Suiter, Sr., 84, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 22, 2024. He was born to William R. and Pearl Suiter in Lexington, Kentucky on January 19, 1940. In his youth, Jerry excelled at sports, with baseball being his passion. He was featured as a player in multiple write-ups in the Muskegon newspaper, and was talented enough to pitch for the Detroit Tigers before enlisting with the United States Air Force. Jerry served from April of 1960 until January of 1968 with the Air Force. While on Special Assignment with the 696 Squadron, Dauphin Island, Alabama, Jerry met the love of his life, Betty Jean Suiter. They married on July 11, 1963.

Jerry worked at Marine Bulk Terminal (later, Mobile River Terminal) for over 30 years, where he worked as a Millwright, Operator, and Supervisor. He finally retired to spend time with his grandkids in 2005. After retirement, Jerry worked with the Methodist Church at their resale store, Open Doors Resale and Thrift Store. He had a motto: “Have a reason to lace up your boots every day.” He was involved with the American Legion, Post 3, as well as the Marine Corp League – serving our veterans.

He loved to talk baseball and fishing, and would often stop in at friends’ to show off the day’s catch. Jerry was also a football fan – with Alabama Crimson Tide and the Michigan Wolverines at a close second. Above all, he loved being around his granddaughters. He was at every recital, school play and event they were involved with.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Suiter; daughter, Kimberly Renee Suiter Wilson; parents, William R. and Pearl Suiter; brother, William Suiter; and sister, Nancy Suiter Uganski.

He is survived by his son, Jerry C. Suiter, Jr. (Melanie Marie Williams Suiter); granddaughters, Katlin Marie Suiter and Allison Renee Suiter; brother, Raymond Suiter (Donna); sister, Mary Lou Williams (David); as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other cherished family and friends.

Visitation for Jerry will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Pine Crest Funeral Home on Dauphin Island Parkway in Mobile, with a chapel service immediately following. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery.