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Melvin Douglas Suggs, 78, of Lamont, Fla., died peacefully on January 18, 2024, after a short illness. He was friend, confidant, counselor, and companion to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his mother, Julia Lena Moore Suggs Turner, father, Calhoun Suggs, stepfather, John W. Turner, sisters Margaret Chapman and Susie Defaut, and brother Perry M. Suggs. He leaves behind a son, Troy D. Suggs (Georgette) and daughter, Jenny Lyn Suggs Reeves (Frank), brother Marlin Suggs (Helen), sister Mildred McClintic, 6 grandchildren, Stanley Parret (Monet), Shekita Driskill (Gene), Rachell Parret, James Parret (Kristen), Teri Richer (Mike), Racheal Brightwell-Segers (Aston), longtime companion Carol Penn, 9 great-grandchildren, and countless other family members and close personal friends, including John and Julie Martin, Bengje Tuten, and Dean Grambling.

Melvin was born in Hillsborough County, FL, on July 3^rd, 1945, but spent much of his formative years in Bainbridge, GA. He worked for Reynolds Metals Company in Tampa, FL, for over thirty years, retiring in 1999. Melvin was a self-taught metal machinist and woodworking master. His capacity to create any object from metal or wood was limited only by the requester’s ability to describe it. He loved hunting (especially turkey hunting) and fishing all of his life. He was an avid fan of country music, cowboy boots, and all things Native American. He spent endless hours searching for arrowheads and artifacts in the backwoods of Florida and Georgia. Later in life, he enjoyed singing karaoke and often entered competitions. He was a member of the Perry, FL, Elks Lodge #1851, and a lifetime member of the NRA.

The family will host a celebration of Melvin’s life at 10 am on Saturday, January 27^th, at Bryant Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Dean officiating. Will Tuten, Ben Tuten, Stanley Parret, Buddy Suggs, Turner Brock, Jeff Shirah, John Martin, and Ronald Murphy will serve as active pallbearers. A private interment will be held at West Bainbridge Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)