Obituary of Theodore Susac

Theodore John "Ted" Susac, 84, of Salem, Virginia, died peacefully September 19th. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Susac and Catherine Baum Susac, his brother Charles Richard Susac, and brothers-in-law Filbert and Claude Ballard. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Evelyn Ballard Susace; one son Ted, II and his wife Tory of Glen Allen, Virginia; Jim and Ruth Ann Ballard of Sumner, Texas; Billie Ballard of Orlando, Florida; Ed and Joy Ballard of Pocahontas, Virginia; Mark Ballard of Roanoke, Virginia; and other cherished nieces and nephews. His early days included growing up in the Virginia and West Virginia coal fields, then serving in the Army in World War II.. He earned a bachelor's degree from Marshall University and then again in the Army for the Korean War. Grounded solidly in faith and family, he ran the good race across all dimensions in his life; applying his talents and energy attentively and with integrity, from simple tasks to complex challenges. He expressed his faith via actions-not simply words- in every community where he lived. His service in various parishes included Senior Warden, Treasurer, finance committee chair, vestry member, lay reader, and chalice bearer. His professional career as a manager and then executive took Ted and his family to North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Missouri before he and Evelyn settled in Salem. His career included multiple successful "turnaround" initiatives with under-performing operations. He retired from Rowe Furniture as VP and General Manager of the Frame Division. His very active retirement included membership in the local Habitat for Humanity's Builders' Club. Also, he was one of two volunteers who did extensive initial renovations at Camp Roanoke, including the subsequently named Ricker-Susac Dining Hall. He was recognized multiple times for the annual "Roanoke County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame". He especially enjoyed golf and over the years was rewarded with much camaraderie and one hole in one. Community leadership roles over the years included: chairman of an annual United way drive; finance chairman and member of the executive committee of the Sequoyah Council, Boy Scouts of America; Vice President of a YMCA board; Vice President of a hospital executive committee; chapter chairman of the Red Cross; member of a bank board of directors; president of a Rotary Club; and Vice President of Sertoma. Ted is a communicant of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Christiansburg. a memorial service will be at the church at 2 PM on Saturday September 25th with the Rev. Phyllis Spiegel officiating. A reception will immediately follow, at St. Thomas. Interment will occur later. The Family wishes to express their special appreciation for the caring and support from extended family, members of their faith community, friends and neighbors, good Samaritan Hospice, and many wonderful people-patients and staff- at Lewis Gale Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to St. Thomas Episcopal, 103 East Main Street, Christiansburg, Virginia 24073; Habitat for Humanity, 403 Salem Avenue, Roanoke, Virginia 24016; and Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24018.