Dr. William Jack Sugg

TO VIEW JACK'S MEMORIAL VIDEO


Dr. William Jack Sugg, July 14 ^th , 1939 – December 12th, 2017. Jonesboro, AR

Family man, outdoorsman and avid ASU sports enthusiast departed this life on Tuesday December 12 ^th , 2017 at the age of 78. He was born on July 14 ^th , 1939 in Wynne, AR, son of Thomas Leland and Lona Lee “Stroud” Sugg. His father was employed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and the family eventually settled in Wynne, AR.

Jack graduated from Wilson High School in 1958 and attended Arkansas State University where he received a BSE in 1962 and MSE in 1967. He played football for the Indians and went on to receive a PhD from Southern Illinois University in 1990. He taught at ASU for 31 years and was named Emeritus Professor upon his retirement. He served as Director of Sport Management/Promotion Programs. He was a District IV Coordinator and President for the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. He was the 1998 Arkansas AHPERD Honor Award recipient.

Jack was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church where he was active in the choir, taught Sunday school classes, bible studies and was District Lay Leader for many years. He enjoyed being a Certified Open Water Dive Instructor/Master traveling and diving all over the Caribbean with his family and friends. He was the lead Water Safety Instructor Trainer for NEA Red Cross and volunteered countless hours teaching swimming and lifesaving classes to youth across the state.

Jack is survived by his wife Janet Hale Sugg with whom he was married for almost 58 years. Children: Susan LeNice and Barry Matt Garner of Jonesboro, AR and William Jackson Sugg, Jr. and Geoff Rathgeber of Atlanta, GA. Grandchildren: Barry Matthew Jr and Rebekah Garner of Little Rock, AR and Mary Katharine Garner-Leonard and Ethan Leonard of New Orleans, LA. Brothers: Thomas Richard Sugg of Wichita Falls, TX. Robert Edward Sugg of Dyersburg, TN. James Lee and Lou Sugg of Wynne, AR. Hugh Ronald and Marjorie Sugg of Zephyrhills, FL. Additionally many neices and nephews whom he adored.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, brother Addison Ray Sugg, sister and brother in law Betty Jean and Bob Courtway of Conway, AR. Sisters in law Patt Sugg of Wichita Falls, TX and Darleen Sugg of Dyersburg, TN.

Jack loved his community and especially ASU. He loved the outdoors, SCUBA diving, hunting, golfing, was a Master Gardener and was happiest spending quality time with his family. He was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease approximately 11 years ago. This journey took him through several assisted living communities in TN and AR. His family is proud that his brain will be studied be the team of scientists at Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center led by Dr. Ann McKee. This came at the direct recommendation of Dr. Bradley Hyman of Mass General and Harvard Medical School.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Cornerstone United Methodist Church with Rev. Kathleen McMurray, Senior Pastor, officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers are brothers, Dick Sugg, Bob Sugg Ronnie Sugg, and Jim Sugg; his officiating crew; Bill Rogers, Kevin Hodges, Jimmy Cooper, Jim Goad, Jim Keller, Steve Tricarico, B.J. McAfee and Tony Futrell. Honorary pallbearers are the staff/care givers at The Gardens in Germantown, Tennessee as well as Ridgecrest Health and Rehabilitation Center in Jonesboro. Visitation will be from 5-7, Friday night, December 15, 2017 at Emerson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dr. William Jack Sugg ASU Athletic Scholarship Fund at www.arcf.org/sugg or mailed to the Craighead County Community Foundation 407 Union St. Jonesboro, AR 72401.