Extracted from The Jacksonville Daily Progress (Jacksonville, TX)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Audrey Ray Suttles

On the 10th day of August 2013, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Audrey Ray Suttles, passed away at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tues., Aug. 13, at Meador Cemetery under the direction of Autry Funeral Home; Philip Strong will officiate.

Mr. Suttles is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Matalew, son-in-law Morris Lang, and grandson Brian Suttles.

He is survived by his three children; sons Lewis Suttles and wife Deborah, Kerry Suttles and wife Debra, all of Jacksonville; and daughter, Audrey Lang of Natchitoches, La. His grandchildren, Shaun Suttles and wife Ashley and great granddaughters Avery and Maitland all of Lufkin, granddaughters Meagan Cummings and husband Chris of Henderson and Katherine Dougal and husband Benjamin of Columbus, Ohio and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Born Feb. 23, 1925, to Jesse C. and Grace Anna Suttles, he grew up in Turney on the family farm where his father was a tomato buyer during the heyday of Jacksonville's reign as the Tomato Capital of the World.

He attended the Turney School and graduated from Jacksonville High School, Class of '41.

Joining the US Army after graduation, he served in the 41st Infantry Division in the Philippines, New Guinea and Japan during WWII.

After returning from oversea, Dad met and married Matalew Lewis on Sept. 14, 1946. During his working years, he was employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company, S&K Church Furniture, for many years was co-owner of M&S Gulf Service Station with his brother-in-law G.A. Marshall, and retired from the US Postal Service after 32 years of service. He was a member of the United Postal Workers of America.

Dad was a long time member of Southside Church of Christ and contributor to many worthwhile causes including MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Dad enjoyed sports, especially Astros baseball, and in his youth was a pitcher himself for a fast-pitch softball league. He had been active as a Cub Scout leader, baseball coach, JHS Band Booster, PTA member, and more recently, playing “42” with his friends at the Senior Citizens Center.