Dr. Archie Kenneth Suggs' Obituary
A Private Graveside Service for Dr. Archie Kenneth Suggs, 87, of Alexander City, Alabama will be held at the Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. John Hill will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 29, 2024 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Radney Funeral Home.
Dr. Suggs passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at Bill Nichols State Veterans Home. He was born on October 19, 1936 in Russellville, Alabama to Archie Lee Suggs and Mary Emily Suggs. His family moved to Sheffield, Alabama where he finished high school. At age 17 he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving three years during the Korean Conflict obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Utilizing the G.I. Bill, he attended the University of Alabama and subsequently entered the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 1965. He later received a Master of Science in Public Health from UAB.
He had the great pleasure of being in the private practice of Dentistry in Alexander City, Alabama for 25 years. Dr. Suggs then taught as an associate professor at the UAB Dental School for 11 years. He volunteered as an advisor to dental students and participated in the Christian Medical Ministry of Alabama.
Dr. Suggs was a Life Member of the Alabama Dental Association, which awarded him the Most Excellent Fellow in 2004. In 2014 the ADA awarded him the Gold Certificate for 50 years of service in dentistry. He served as State President of the Alabama Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Suggs practiced an active Baptist faith and was an ordained deacon. He participated in many foreign dental mission trips. His faith in God, family, profession, love of the Marine Corps, and a strong work ethic characterized his life.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay Gamble Suggs; son, Dr. Stephen Suggs (Dede) of Birmingham, Alabama; daughter, Sharon S. Blair (Jamie) of Alexander City, Alabama; grandchildren, Sarah Centeno (Doug) of Birmingham, Alabama, Emily Welker (Stephen) of New York, New York, Annie Callaway (Lewis) of Birmingham, Alabama, Kristen Powell (Christopher) of Alexander City, Alabama, and Jay Blair (Emily) of Alexander City, Alabama; great-grandchildren, Judson Powell, Harris Centeno, Carlisle Centeno, and Elizabeth Welker; and brothers, Douglas R. Suggs (Gail) of Alexander City, Alabama and Rev. Terrell Suggs (Jan) of Picayune, Mississippi.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorials may be made to Flint Hill Church, 2858 Flint Hill Road, Alexander City, Alabama 35010 or www.flinthillchurch.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Archie Kenneth Suggs.
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