08/29/2026
The Family Policy Council of WV mourns the passing of Dr. Phil Suiter, a longtime advocate for families, Christian education and religious liberty in West Virginia. Dr. Suiter joined our Savior on August 26, 2026.
Dr. Suiter played a foundational role in founding The Family Policy Council of WV, recognizing the importance of giving families a voice heard by the West Virginia Legislature. His leadership helped advance policies protecting the liberties of families, churches, Christian schools and homeschoolers.
Dr. Suiter was a principal architect and advocate of the 1983 Exemption K legislation and Article 28, which established broad independence for Christian and other nonpublic schools in West Virginia. He also directed the West Virginia Christian Education Association, served on the Board of the American Association of Christian Schools, helped develop the AACS Accreditation Manual and chaired accreditation teams across the country. His decades of work in education, ministry and public policy left a lasting impact on Christian education throughout West Virginia.
Above all, Dr. Suiter was a man of deep Christian faith. Born again during revival services in 1946, he remained a lifelong student of Scripture and was deeply concerned that others understand the biblical meaning of the new birth and the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Family Policy Council of WV extends its deepest condolences and prayers to his wife, Burnis, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
We are grateful for his faithful service and the enduring legacy he leaves to West Virginia families and Christian education.