Suspended phone service while out of the country?

I'm wondering what the best move is as I will be out of the country for months. I don't plan on using my data and will purchase a sim card to use for my time over there. I don't want to lose my phone number and I'm only a family plan with another person (who will be remaining in the US). So I'm wondering is the best move to suspend service and just reactivate the service just before I return? This would be a 6 month suspension.

I would also like to maintain wifi capabilities on my phone to use social media and any other apps. I just want to avoid roaming and other international charges.