Jon Allan Suggs

Jon Allan Suggs, Sr. passed away on April 11, 2026.

He was born July 16, 1947 to the late Joseph Emory Suggs, Jr. and Jessie Mae McShan Suggs in Americus, GA. He graduated from Americus High School and South Georgia Technical and Vocational School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 and was a Specialist Five serving in Vietnam as a secretary/aide for the base Intelligence Office. He received numerous medals and accommodations for his service, including the Bronze Star.

He joined the Americus Fire Department in 1973, following in his father’s footsteps. He retired in 2001 after 28 years of service, during which he rose from the level of Firefighter to Chief of Training and Prevention. Following his retirement, he worked as a contract instructor for the Georgia Fire Academy for over 6 years. He taught fire courses all over the state including some classes for Georgia Tech. His courses included Basic Firefighting, Leadership, Hazardous Materials, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Alternative Teaching Methods, which includes Clown School. Clown School is where Rocker was created, and he loved being Rocker both locally and throughout the state at Fire Safety Blitz and parades.

His love for and dedication to the fire service lives on in the multitude of men and women he trained all across the state including Americus Fire Chief Roger Bivins, Sumter County Fire Chief Jerry Harmon, Schley County Fire Chief Duane Montgomery, and Interim Chief of Leslie Fire Jared Ward.

From his high school days onward, he had a love of auto mechanics, and he worked as a mechanic for the Ford Motor Company, on his off-days from the fire department, until the mid-1990s.

But mainly, he was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family and supported them at all times. He loved spending time with them all, but his grands and great-grands were his blessings. He was also a supporter to others any time there was a need, helping with donations, emotional support, and his presence if needed. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church but attended church with his wife at Fellowship Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife Mary Wilson Suggs; children Melody Lemay Owens, Jon Allan Suggs, Jr. (wife Bonnie Sullivan), Matthew Kelley Clements (Angie Phillips), Billie Jo Etheridge, and Jennifer Ann Pierson (husband Kevin); grandchildren Katie Highnote, Timmy Etheridge, Patrick Etheridge, Drake Clements, Casey Allan Owens, Jon Robert Pierson, and Riker Gray Pierson; and great-granddaughters Meredith, Timberly Rose, Kimbrell, and Oaklynn. Mothers of his children, Kathy Olivet and Barbara Suggs; son-in-law Curt Owens; brother-in-law Bobby Duke (Sheryl Roberts); sister-in-law Betty Sue Bruckner (Tom); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. He had several “bonus” grandchildren through the years, especially Milie Sue Latham, sister of his grandson Drake. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters Ruby Frances Stoehr, Shirley Jo Duke, Betty Ann Woomer, and an infant baby sister.

Visitation will be Wednesday April 15th from 5 to 7 p.m. with services on Thursday at 2 p.m. at Aldridge Funeral Services. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery with Fire Service and military honors. Ties are optional according to his wishes.

Flowers will be accepted, but he would be honored by donations to Friends Against Cancer, P.O. 6421, Americus, GA 31709.