I worked with Joe Suttle, at the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Birmingham, for many years. He was a excellent pilot, very knowledgeable in military and aviation matters, a very good soldier and person. I am proud to have known and worked with him. He will long be remembered and missed. 

My heart goes out to the entire Suttle family.  Although Joe and I worked together many years ago, I still have many great memories of the times we spent flying together and those hunting with him.   They were sometimes exciting and formative times for both of us.  My best wishes for the entire family.



I am so sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. I don’t have the words to express what an honor and privilege it was to know and serve with Joe Suttle. As others have said, Joe was one of a kind. He never met a stranger and he had friends everywhere - no matter where you went, someone would always ask, “do you know Joe Suttle?” Whatever Joe did, he did it one hundred percent. No matter how difficult the job, Joe made it look easy. If you ever needed help with anything, just ask Joe and then get out of the way. Joe was one of best - whether it was as a mission pilot-in-command, instructor, or maintenance technician. It was such a pleasure to fly with Joe in so many different types of aircraft all over the country. I will always treasure the 36 years we worked together. It’s hard to visualize a world without Joe Suttle in it. Thank you for everything - my very good friend.

Joe was the definition of professionalism.  As a young Army Warrant Officer, fresh out of flight school, I was impressed with Joe's knowledge and skill which was, at times, intimidating but Joe's professionalism and ability to keep you focused in the cockpit set a standard of excellence that I tried to maintain throughout my military career.  Joe's influence on me went beyond the uniform.  He was what I strove to be, highly skilled and very professional.  I have tried to emulate those qualities in my professional life.  I feel very blessed to have known Joe and to have benefited from his influence.  My condolences to the Suttle family and my deepest respect and gratitude to Joe for what he meant to me as a pilot, an Army officer, and a human being.
David Franklin, former CW2, Scout Helicopter Pilot, US Army   

I am saddened about Joe’s passing. He was an outstanding Army Aviator, a dear friend, and a mentor to me. Y’all have my sympathy.

Joe Albert Suttle was a source of inspiration for an untold number of young men that he quietly influenced with his unrelenting insistence on quality work and precision in everything that he attempted. Sometimes temperamental and cantankerous, he was a Suttle after all, he taught me before I was 15 years old, how to extract horsepower from a single cylinder engine engine with machine shop procedures few people of the era were aware of. He was an engine master ahead of his time in the late 50's and 60's building winning race engines and running an automotive machine shop in Bibb County before moving on to bigger challenges in aviation and a well lived life. He had my lifelong respect, from the first day that I was mature enough to understand him. I will miss you Joe. Don't forget to close your flight plan. 

Enjoyed flying with him,  he was an awesome pilot.  I know he will be missed.  The Family is in my prayers🙏

Mr. Suttle was such a joy to talk to and spend time with... Always kind word and a  smile. Praying for strength and peace for the precious family. 

OBITUARY

Joe Albert Suttle

August 14, 1935 – June 18, 2020

Kilgroe Funeral Home

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Past Services

Visitation at Kilgroe Funeral Home

Burial at Alabama National Cemetery