Louis “Ray” Suttles, a long time resident of Snow Camp, passed away on March 18, 2019 at the Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health Care in Pittsboro.
Ray was born on October 18, 1949, in Marion, NC to Joyce E. Suttles and the late Raymond A. Suttles of Pittsboro, NC. Ray graduated from Pittsboro High School in 1968 where he was a star football player. He enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Germany and Vietnam. He received numerous awards such as Riffle Marksmanship. He enjoyed his guns and shooting them at targets that he had set up in his own backyard. Ray had a zest for life. He was a comedian. He loved to tell jokes and dance in his wheel chair - anything to make people laugh. He enjoyed eating a Sunday lunch at his mother’s house and then sitting on the front porch talking about his grandchildren and what trick he pulled on his wife Kaye that week. Ray had a tremendous love for spending time with his family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Andy Suttles and brother, Larry Edward Suttles.
Ray is survived by his lovely wife of 21 and one-half years, Kaye Suttles, (he loved her more than life itself) and mother-in-law, Thelma Lavy of Snow Camp; step-sons, Jimmy Vaughn of Seattle, Washington, Kelly Vaughn (Shannon); and three grandchildren, Audrey Ramsy, Tessa Vaughn and Vincent Angel of Wilmington, NC. He is also survived by his mother, Joyce E. Suttles of Pittsboro; brothers, BJ Suttles (Laura) of Surf City, Stuart Dixon (Jenny) of Chapel Hill; sister, Ann Suttles of Wilmington; niece, Megan Suttles of NY; and special friend, Andy.
The family received friends Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation, Griffin Chapel.
A graveside service followed at 11:30 a.m. at Bynum United Methodist Church Cemetery with Pastor Jackie Franks presiding.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made in Ray’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, STE 111, Wilmington, NC 28403 on behalf of his sister and brother Ann and BJ Suttles.
Condolences may be made at: www.donaldsonfunerals.com.
Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Suttles family.