Wayne Lucas Suggs
July 14, 1942-April 6, 2026

Wayne Lucas Suggs, age 83, passed away at home in Richland, Washington, on April 6, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family.
Born on July 14, 1942, in Darlington, South Carolina, Wayne was taught the love, faith, duty, loyalty, and gentle humor that would define his life. He used those qualities to positively impact countless people throughout his life.
Wayne was a devoted husband for 61 years to his sweetheart Susan, and a proud and loving father to Maryl (Bruce), Joe (Brigitte), Dan (Laurie), Kerrie (Reed), Howard (Willa), David (Tiffany), and Nate (Melanie). His family was the center of his life and his greatest joy. He adored being a grandfather to 39 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 29
great-grandchildren and, if given the choice, would have gladly skipped the father step and gone straight to grandfather. He especially loved his grandbabies, and everyone who knew him recognized the joy he found in holding and caring for the youngest members of his family.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wonderful parents Winston and Modena. He took his role as the oldest child seriously and tried his best to set a good example for his younger siblings Don {Lorna), Joye (Bill), John (Barbara), Dena (Earl), Susan (Steve), Michelle (Jeff), and Alex (Rhonda).

Wayne dedicated four decades of his professional life to public libraries, serving his communities with passion and integrity. His career included roles as Library Director in Albany, Oregon, from 1973 to 1990 and in Richland, Washington, from 1990 to 2006, where he oversaw large projects, including plans for remodeling and expanding the library, although he retired before seeing the project to completion. Through his work, Wayne fostered a love of learning, literacy, and community connection that impacted countless lives.
As much as he enjoyed his professional career, he found more purpose, importance, joy, and fulfillment serving his God. Wayne was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully throughout his life. From 1961-1964, he served a 2½ year mission in France and Belgium, an experience that deeply shaped his faith and lifelong dedication to serving others. His greatest act of devotion to God was being a loving husband and father.

Music was one of Wayne’s great loves, from 1950’s Rock and Roll to choral music to classical and all styles in between, the genre mattered less than whether there was simply music playing. He had a song for literally anything you could say and he shared that passion generously with his family, creating lasting memories through song and togetherness.
Wayne would probably not have cared too much for this obituary, as things were never about him, but there’s nothing he can do about that now. He would be happy knowing Mom Bear is taken care of and that we turned off the lights as we left the room.