John Thomas Suskey

John Thomas Suskey Sr., 75, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026. He was born on September 8, 1950, in Merkel, Texas, to Rev. Albert Thomas Suskey and Ethel Suskey.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Albert Thomas Suskey and Ethel Suskey; his beloved wife, Mary Beth Byerly Suskey; and his brother-in-law, James Schenebeck.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Lynn Jones Suskey; his children, Laura Beth Suskey, John Thomas Suskey II, Margaret Michelle Suskey, Emily Denise Higginbotham, Matt Hudnall (Emily), and Ashley Hudnall; his grandchildren,Devin James Suskey, Alexander Iyakai Shiplett, Alana Marley Shiplett,Anna Beth Suskey, Alexander John Suskey, Elijah Thomas Weingarten, Amos Lee Higginbotham, Jared Mikhal Jacobson II, Colton Robert Hudnall, Lukas Matthew Hudnall, and Isaac Martin Hudnall; and his great-grandchildren, Riley Rose Wellnitz, Jaxon James Wellnitz, and Leilani Beth Merkle. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Schenebeck, as well as James Colin Schenebeck, Jennifer Gale Robinson (Terry), and Stephanie Gale Stovall (Justin).

John attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship from 1969 to 1970 before continuing his education at Ouachita Baptist University from 1970 to 1973, where he completed his BA.. He was honored for being an Outstanding Young Men of America by Jaycees Hot Springs, AR in 1977. He later earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from Suffield University.

Throughout his professional life, John worked as an accountant, Chief Financial Officer for commercial construction and business consultant, eventually managing his own consulting and management business. He was a member of the National Association of Accountants, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Construction Financial Management Association. He was also a member and treasurer of Beta Kappa Sigma. From 1989 to 1991, he served as President of the Jacksonville, Florida, Biddy Basketball League.

John was a licensed preacher and served as a local supply pastor in Florida. His faith was an important part of his life, and he found great joy in serving others through his ministry.His passion was The Great commission and he participated in mission trips and motorcycle ministry.

John had a lifelong passion for history, particularly the Civil War, a love that began when he was just nine years old. He was a longtime member of the 2nd Florida Company E reenactment group and was also a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). He enjoyed sharing his love of history with his daughter Michelle and grandchildren, who were also involved in the reenactment group. John participated in reenactments for many years before eventually retiring and relocating to Haskell, Arkansas.

An avid golfer, John also loved Arkansas football and basketball (when they won). He enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycle and, above all, cherished spending time with his family.

John will be remembered for his love of history, his faith, his many interests and accomplishments, and most of all, the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A family graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life service will be held following at 12:00 PM CDT at Family Life Church, Bryant Arkansas in the TNT building.

Services entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.