from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Raymond I. Sugg, 77, of Wauseon, Ohio, died Jan. 15, 2016, at the Hospice center in Defiance.

He was born Sept. 15, 1938, in McComb, Ohio, to Ralph and Mable Sugg. He married Elaine Moor in 1958, and she survives.

He was a driver/trainer of Standardbreds for more than 60 years, racing at tracks throughout the United States and Canada. including Raceway Park, Northfield Park, Northville Downs, Hollywood Park, Pompano Park, Windsor Raceway, and others. He also enjoyed many summers racing at numerous county fairs in Ohio.

At the age of 16 he was the youngest to receive a driver’s license from the United States Trotting Association.

In 1978, he went to work for the Ohio Department of Transportation in Fulton County, where he worked for 29 years, until his retirement in 2007. He served as union steward and president of his chapter for many years.

He was a true family man, enjoyed family cookouts and gatherings, playing cards, golfing (achieving a hole-in-one at the age of 70 at Old Pines golf course) and “putzing” around at the Fulton County fairgrounds at the barn with his horses.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and an exceptional role model for his family. He was a member of Wauseon First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving as a deacon for many years.

Mr. Sugg is also survived by his brother, Ivan (Patty); children, Julia Peebles, Rev. Gene, Paula Vance, Lesley (Jim) Hoeffel and Allen; grandchildren, Robin (Wayne) Knapp, Mitchell Peebles, Clayton Peebles, Kelsey (Rob) Spangler, Isaac, Josh, Jacob Harmon, Aaron Vance, Emily Hoeffel, Andrew Hoeffel and Hayden; and great-grandchildren, Madison Spangler, Taylor Spangler and Elyse Knapp.

A celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday (Jan. 23) at First Christian Church in Wauseon, with Reverend Gene Sugg officiating. Graveside services will take place at a later date at Ottokee Cemetery. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-8 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 22) at the church. Arrangements are handled by Eagle Funeral Home in Fayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Fair Foundation and the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.