Joseph L. "Lonnie" Suiter IV

It is so difficult to put into words what kind of man Lonnie Suiter is. “Selfless” would be the only word we can think of, and that is truly an understatement and could never compare to all the amazing things Lonnie gave us.

Lonnie was born January 12, 1949 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and traveled to Heaven September 30, 2022 in Morganton North Carolina. Lonnie passed on peacefully and comfortably, having time with family, very well taken care of, however controlling how and when he went, on his own terms (just like Lonnie). He will be dearly missed by us all, and can’t wait to see him again at the Pearly Gates of Heaven welcoming us all home one day.

Lonnie had a way with people not many of us understand. He really enjoyed time with those around him, and more than anything was a true, family man. Watching a show like “The Andy Griffith Show”, or a hallmark movie would have explained Lonnie in a nutshell for those that know him after becoming that amazing “family” man.  

Lonnie was raised in Rocky Mount by his mother, Marian Ricks Suiter, and a short time with his father. His life wasn’t exactly like the shows he loved though we would never know it. 

After meeting the love of his life of over 51 years, Sherry Suiter, becoming an Eagle Scout, putting himself through College at East Carolina University, and tons of hard work (that’s Lonnie) he created the hallmark life he always wanted. 

Lonnie after college joined Georgia Pacific after graduating and he and his wife started building that amazing life of his dreams. 

You would never know that Lonnie was an only child by what kind of father he was. Raising two kids, having a 51-year marriage, continuously working, and building this life was exactly what he wanted. Finding the time to coach soccer for both of his kids, a marathon runner, be a scout leader, be very involved in his community and Church, be close with friends, go dancing with his wife, travel for so many years with work, building and designing his homes, all while smiling and laughing with all of us.

His energy was endless… 

All Lonnie ever wanted was for everyone to have their best lives, and be a part of it.

A wonderful Father, Husband, Grandfather, Cousin, Brother-In-Law, Classmate, Coworker, Friend…Lonnie brought so much joy to us all. Putting into words what kind of man Lonnie was is near impossible. There are so many things he has accomplished throughout his life, but if you asked him his greatest successes… he would say it was the love for all of you, and all the love he received from all of you, to make his life just as he always wanted it to be. 

Listing all the accomplishments throughout his life would go on for days and for Lonnie, he would have rather heard yours, or helped to have you accomplish them.

Everyone that was honored enough to have time in this life with him can tell us a story if they choose when we celebrate Lonnie and his life, and learn all about the man that took care of all of us. 

We hope you can join us Thursday, October 6th at 3pm to in the Impact Building at Oak Hill United Methodist Church to dine, mingle, and celebrate the life of Lonnie Suiter. Soon after there will be the burial for those wanting to attend.  

Feel free and bring a plate if you like, share stories, and truly enjoy our time together, because that is exactly what Lonnie would have loved. He will be dancing above us looking down while we spend this time together with him. 

We all love you, and thank you for being such a huge part of this wonderful life Lonnie always wanted and dreamed of.  From our family to yours, we are all so thankful for giving him this amazing gift and couldn’t be more honored to call you all “family.”

-Until we meet again Lonnie…

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.