Obit of James Harrison Surles Sr. (s642) - Grady County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Sandi Carter 27 Mar 2002 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ====================================================================== The Chickasha Express-Star 9 March 2002 James Harrison Surles Sr. Funeral service for James Harrison Surles Sr., 79, of Chickasha, was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2002, in the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Chapel with Rev. Larry Hatfield officiating. Mr. Surles was born October 15, 1922, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to William Edgar Surles and Mary Geneva (Sauls) Surles, and died Thursday, March 7, 2002, in Chickasha. On July 31, 1941 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he married Mary Elizabeth (Stacy) Surles; she preceded him in death October 5, 1999. He was a long-time resident of Ninnekah, graduating from High School in Orangeburg, SC. He trained out of state for Grady Memorial Hospital specializing in hospital engineering. Until his wife's death he was a foster parent. He served in the Army where he was prisoner of war at Bastom, France, and toured prison and concentration camps with General Patton. Mr. Surles was also a retired business owner and was active in youth sports with son Jim Jr. announcing at games. Survivors include: 2 daughters and their husbands: Johnnie Smith and Leroy, of Chickasha, Betty Berry and Harvey, of Ninnekah; 2 sons: James H. Surles Jr., of Tulsa, and Anthony T. Surles, of Colorado Springs, Co.; 3 brothers: W.E. Surles, of Columbia, SC, H.L. Surles of Savannah, GA, and Howard Surles, of Mountain Home, ID; 2 sisters: C. Louise, of Charleston, S.C., and Margaret Burkhardt, of Roseburg, OR; 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents; 3 sisters: Jackie Bozarth, Jean Berey and Mary E. Surles; 1 infant daughter: Mary E. Surles; 1 infant granddaughter: Nadine Marie Cherenyock; and 1 infant great granddaughter: Sheena Marie Smith. Songs included: "Amazing Grace" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain." Pall Bearers were Military Honor Guard. Honorary Bearers were Tim Smith, Jeffery Smith, Rick Brawner, Verlon Schmidt, Michael Berry and Mitchell Berry.