Ray S. "Pete" Sugden, III

Ray Stanley Sugden III, of Vandalia, fondly known as “Pete”, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep at the age of 82.  He was a kind and generous man who loved his family and friends.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing and working at his business because the word retirement was not in his vocabulary.  His grandchildren (to whom he is affectionately known as “Beebs”) were the apple of his eye and he loved going to their events and spending time with them.  He was beyond excited to become a great-grandfather this past November.  Pete was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Brookville, Ohio.  He attended Arizona State University and then joined the Air Force in 1962.  He served his country during the Vietnam war and was stationed in Turkey and Hawaii.  Pete owned and operated his own business for the majority of his life - Vandalia Furniture for 10 years and Sugden Furniture in Tipp City which he ran with his son Shawn for the past 34 years.  His business was his pride and joy and he had many lifelong customers who remember him fondly.  He inherited the Margaret Leiber School of Dance from his mother and continued the legacy that she began.  His wife and son will continue the legacy of both businesses in his honor and continue the family tradition.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Margaret Leiber.  He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Linda, his son, Shawn (Amy) and daughter Libby, his cherished grandchildren Ashley, Megan, Allison (Aaron), Jillian, Savannah, great-grandson Alexander, his brother Roger (Barbara), his sister Carol and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will be receiving friends and family on Friday, September 1 from 10-12 at Tipp City Global Methodist Church (8 W. Main Street, Tipp City, OH) with the funeral immediately following.  He will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery in Brookville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in Pete’s memory to the Tipp City Global Methodist Church or Vandalia Firefighters Association.