James Richard "Ricky" Sudduth III

Funeral Services for Mr. James Richard "Ricky" Sudduth III, age 72 of Lineville, will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at New Harmony Christian Church with Rev. Jeff Byars officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay County Memory Gardens.
Mr. Sudduth passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Grandview Medical Center. Born at Clay County Hospital, he made Clay County his lifelong home. As a young boy, he helped his parents in their family grocery store, unaware that he would one day carry on the legacy of the business himself. He played football for the Lineville Aggies and graduated from Lineville High School in 1971. Shortly after, he served four years in the National Guard before attending Jacksonville State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business with a minor in Economics. Following graduation, he briefly worked at a bank in Birmingham before returning home to take the helm of the family's Piggly Wiggly. He faithfully served his community there until his retirement in 2021, when he joyfully embraced his new role as full-time "Pop" to his six grandchildren. Mr. Ricky found great enjoyment in trail riding horses and in raising and training cattle dogs. He volunteered as a softball coach, and was deeply involved in every sport his three daughters played. Larger than life, he was known for a loud, infectious laugh that could fill any room. His jokes-sometimes ill-timed in that endearing way dads are known for-were matched only by the size of his heart, which he tried, at times, to keep tucked away. As the owner of the Piggly Wiggly in Ashland, he could be tough, but he taught his employees the value of hard work, integrity, and doing things the right way. Those same lessons were lovingly instilled in his daughters. Through his leadership, often delivered with tough love, Mr. Ricky influenced generations of employees and helped shape the Piggly Wiggly into the Cornerstone Business it remains today.
Mr. Sudduth is survived by three daughters: Richelle Sudduth (Jeff Duncan) of Ashland, Marina Shirey (Conway) of Lineville, and Maggie Lacy (Kenneth) of Wicksburg; six grandchildren: Dierks, Clemie, Barrett, Beau, Icie, and Maren; one sister, Shannon Mattox (Keith) of Alexander City; one brother, Ronnie Sudduth (Pattye) of Lineville, plus other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents: James Richard Sudduth Jr. and Wilda Ruth Wilkins Sudduth.
Active Pallbearers will be Cavin Hill, Dewey Clifton, Tim Mathews, Chris Morrison, Albert "Tweet" Garrett, Conway Shirey, Kenneth Lacy, and Jeff Duncan. Honorary Pallbearers will be James Yarbrough, Ronnie Sudduth, Lewis Elliott, Eddie Grubbs, Bob Hayes, Hank Leuken, and Reggie Barrett.
His visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville beginning at 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville is in charge of arrangements.