Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Suddeth Obituary
William F. "Frank" Suddeth Jr., 64, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2010, at his home in the loving care and comfort of his family.
Frank, a native of St. Augustine and graduate of St. Augustine High School Class of 1962, was a well-known and honored local historian, teacher and artist.
Having served in the USAF from 1963 to 1967, he later graduated with a bachelor of science in education from the University of Florida.
Between 1971 and 1996 he taught history in St. Johns County schools. During this time, he expanded his passion for history by working as a part-time park ranger at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, continuing in his grandfather Matthew Suddeth"s footsteps, the elder having been a guide at the Castillo in the 1920s.
In retirement, Frank continued as a volunteer at the fort and worked as a licensed city tour guide, serving as an ambassador of goodwill to all who met him on the streets of the Ancient City.
In his spare time, Frank drew and published several historical children"s coloring books and books on military uniforms. In addition, he created a Florida History Educational Series used by school groups visiting the city. A member of the St. Augustine Historical Society and the Spanish Garrison of St. Augustine, Frank was a local re-enactor of both the Spanish and British Colonial periods.
In 1994 Frank was honored by his nomination and induction into the Company of Military Historians.
Frank"s enthusiasm for life and endearing love for his family, friends and St. Augustine will be fondly remembered and cherished by all those fortunate enough to have been touched by his warmth and gentle kindness.
Frank is survived by his loving mother, Elsie M. Suddeth, St. Augustine; his brothers and sisters-in-law; Robert and Judith Suddeth, St. Augustine, and Thomas and Diane Suddeth, Houston, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Richard Manley, Reston, Va.; by his 14 loving nieces and nephews; and a large extensive family of friends.
He is sadly preceded in death by his father, William F. Suddeth Sr., and by his daughter, Jennifer Suddeth.Ê
Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Anastasia Baptist Church with the Rev. David Moore and the Rev. Ron Moore officiating.Ê Interment with military honors conducted by the St. Augustine Garrison will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.
A visitation of family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at St. Johns Family Funeral Home.
Flowers will be graciously accepted, or donations may be given in his memory to St. Augustine Garrison, 1960 U.S. 1 South, PMB 193, St. Augustine, FL 32086.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Suddeth
Amy Pearce Dominguez
April 30, 2010
I had you several times for history while in highschool...you made the history come alive...I fondly remember painting murals you drew above the chalk boards in the classroom....Twenty years later, I find myself visiting St. Augustine with my 10 year old son and how the history lessons you taught me returned to me to repeated to my son....
Sheryl Blalock
January 29, 2010
I remember Frank coming into the shop on Aviles St all those years ago, in his colonial gear. That man would bring history to life when he spoke. He'd stop in every few days just to say "Hi" and talk for a while. I loved that time and those conversations. SO many friends and family members that were blessed with his presence. What a life testament he has left. God Bless.
January 28, 2010
My Dear Cousin Frank:
Your accomplishments throughout the years speak volumes of a very special soul. You are God's arms now. May he bring comfort to all who knew and loved you.
Jim & Fran Miller, Warm Springs, VA
Angela Bennett
January 28, 2010
Mr. Suddeth was a GREAT History teacher, one of my most favorite teachers EVER. He will be dearly missed.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Pam Robertson
January 27, 2010
Goodbye Ranger Frank We will miss you and all your many talents. May you find peace now and comfornt in seeing your family in heaven.
Mark Wm Johnson
January 26, 2010
Old Friend,
I just received word today that you are gone ahead, and I won't be able to be there in person to honor you by playing "Taps" as I would like to do. Most men pass through a lifetime and find themselves making a great many acquaintances -- but a few true friends. I always could count on you as one of the latter. I never got a chance to thank you face-to-face for not only being my friend, but for being a friend to my daughter when she spent a summer working at the Castillo, a generation after you and I first met.
So many fine times together, so many memories. I never hear a bagpipe in December that I don't think of that Xmas party at your house on Masters Drive. Every time I go into a Picadilly cafeteria, I look to see if you are sitting in the corner. My bookshelves still have treasures on them that you gave me. I can't walk down St. George Street without remembering Nightwatchs and Illuminations; and you were always there in the midst of the drums and powder smoke and the color and pageantry of real Living History.
If heaven has a Sallyport, I will know where to look for you, standing watch and greeting the newcomers with your great heart and limitless enthusiasm.
Paul & Donna Farris
January 26, 2010
All we leave out of this life with is our reputation. Frank certainly showed love and compassion for his fellowman.He was a gifted individual and will be surely missed.
Ronald and Donna Shelley
January 25, 2010
Frank will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. In our travels from Miami to reenact 18th century British Saint Augustine, Frank was often one of the first people we encountered at the Castillo. He was always happy to see us, and we, him. One of the bright lights of Saint Augustine, the city is now darker without him.
Jennifer Viamontes
January 25, 2010
Frank
You were the best grandpa my girls could ever ask for. They may not have been of your blood but they were of your heart. We will miss you so very much. I know that you are in a better place and that you are now with those you always held close to your heart. My prayers are with all those that loved him with his family and with his friends. He will always be in our hearts and the hearts of all those that he touched
Lois Farris
January 25, 2010
My loving nephew, Frank Suddeth, Jr., will always be remembered lovingly by his aunt, Lois Farris of Cape Girardeau, MO for his warm heart and pleasing manner as he visited his Midwest relatives in MO and Illinois. I will treasure his artist drawings of Civil War soldiers, guns, and history of the Fort and the City of St. Augustine FL, his city he loved to promote to all tourists to the town. I will always remember him as a blessing. I'm glad we crossed paths on our journey.
LINDA BLACKMAN
January 25, 2010
DEAR ELSIE,
I AM SO SORRY FOR THE PASSING OF YOUR SON. JUST BE CONTENT WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE IS AT PEACE.
I KNOW THAT HE WOULD WANT YOU TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
BEST WISHES AND LOVE,
LINDA BLACKMAN
January 25, 2010
Audrey Pappy Greenhalgh
1349 Old Dixie Highway
St.Augustine, Fla.32084
marlana bradbury
January 25, 2010
You where my favorite teacher in the 6th grade. Now so many years later i still have the art work you drew for me.You had so much passion till there was no way your class ever had a dull moment.You will be missed and always remembered in my heart
Fletcher A. Shipp
January 25, 2010
Frank, we will all miss your energy, sense of fun and wonder, love of history and pure joy in living every day. Your contributions to the betterment of your community and the furthering of historic knowledge and preservation of St. Augustine are your crowning achievements in a life given to the service of God and mankind.
We will miss you at every event, every re-enactment for years to come.
Bon voyage, until we meet again!
PS, Save me a seat!
Jean Day McCarthy
January 25, 2010
I will always remember Frank pretending to be a statue by the fireplace. He would allow people to get close to him and then he'd move and say "Welcome to the Castillo de San Marcos." People loved it. I really enjoyed working at the fort with Frank. I will miss him!
January 25, 2010
Elsie I am so sorry. It is a great loss to you and to the community. He did so much good. I'm remembering the 'good old days' when Frank Sr., Lottie. and Eddie were here also. Please try to remember those days. My best regads to you.
Roy O. Barnes, Sr.
Karen Lewis
January 24, 2010
You will be missed so much.You where my sixth grade history teacher and I remember you to this day 15 years later.
Al Schmidt
January 24, 2010
You will be dearly missed. My daughter had you as a teacher at St. Augustine High and has fond memories of you. Peace be with you! We'll see you on the other side.
The Schmidt Family
Sophia/Calvin Wesley
January 24, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Mary Sims
January 24, 2010
I will always remember Frank and his passion for History, the Castillo and for teaching. I think Frank was all about teaching young people and sharing his passion with them. I am lucky enough to have several of his drawings. I will Cherish them and the memories I have of Frank.
My heart goes out to his entire family and all of his friends.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in William Suddeth's name
Memorial Events
for William Suddeth
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Suddeth's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
