Frizzell C. Sutherlin, Sr.

Mr. Frizzell Sutherlin Sr. was called home to be with his heavenly father on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. He was born to Richard W. and Margaret Ann (Robinson) Sutherlin on October 29, 1929 in Middlesex, Virginia.

Frizzell, known to many as “Fritz”, was the youngest of twenty-two children. He accepted Christ at an early age and continued to grow in his walk with Christ throughout his life. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan and married Adell Taylor in Bay City, Michigan in 1950. He joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church and served faithfully on the usher board until his health declined. He received a certificate of appreciation from Mt. Olive for twenty-five years of dedicated service in 2007.

Fritz was known for his hard work ethic. He worked at General Motors Corporation and retired after 36 years and nine months of dedicated service. During his employment, he joined the United States Army and served his country proudly before being honorably discharged on December 1, 1960. He was later elected and installed as Worshipful Master of H. York Harrison Lodge No. 32 F.C.A.M. in Saginaw, Michigan on May 27, 1972. In addition, he worked in many homes as an electrician.

A man of many talents, Fritz loved fishing and traveling in his spare time. His presence will truly be missed.

Fritz was preceded in death by his wife, Adell Sutherlin; son, Frizzell Sutherlin, Jr.; parents, Richard and Margaret Sutherlin; and all his siblings.

He leaves to cherish precious memories one daughter, Romona C. Rankin; one son, David Sutherlin; eight grandchildren, Frizzell III, LaTasha, Sharron, Christopher, Richard, Willie, DeLauien, Clarissa; nine great-grandchildren; special nieces, Louise Boatwright, Marilyn and Louise Topper; special nephew, Kevin Beverly; special cousin, Stanley Wimbley; daughter-in-law, Sarah Sutherlin; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, including his close friend and caretaker, Mel Bailey.

The family would like to express special thanks to the 6th Floor Staff at Rapides Medical Center ICU and Progressive Funeral Home of Alexandria, Louisiana, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.