James Calvin Surles, Jr. died on Friday, April 30, 2021. He was born on Oct. 6, 1926, in Pelham, Ga., to the late James Calvin Surles, Sr. and Jewell Foy Surles (Shiver). A resident of Okeechobee for 11 years, he had lived in Madison for 21 years, Bronson for 15 years and Alabama for eight years. He raised Brahma Bulls and Quarter Horses for show. He loved to garden and can vegetables – he was well known for his pickled okra. Most recently, he enjoyed sitting under his shade tree and having breakfast with the girls at The Landing Strip. He was a member of HIS Church, It’s Jesus’ Church.
Mr. Surles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Evelena Leah (Sykes) Surles; parents; and sisters: Faye Hall, Myrtalene Howe, Shirley Singleton and Peggy Riley.
He is survived by his son, James Surles (Selina) of Bronson, Fla.; daughters: Patricia “Kathy” Geren (James) of Tellico Plains, Tenn., Charlene Berryman (Scott) of Sand Rock, Ala. and Kimberly Pickles (Douglas, Jr.) of Madison; twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce Cumbaa of Baton Rouge, La.; special brother-in-law, Ollice Singleton of Saluda, N.C.; and many adopted grandchildren who came to know him as their Granddaddy, too.
A celebration of life will be at HIS Church, It’s Jesus’ Church, 1167 Linda RD, in Okeechobee, Fla. at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 23, 2021, for those wishing to pay their respects. Fellowship and dinner will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations through W&W Lumber or Seacoast Bank, under “Thank you for your service” to aide in the care of local military Veterans.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, in Okeechobee, Fla.