Tommy L. Surles, III Cantonment, Florida Obituary

Tommy L. Surles, III

T.L. “Tommy” Surles, III was born in Lake Providence, LA to T. L. Surles II and Verie Lucile Graddy Surles. He made a peaceful transition to his eternal home on January 20, 2021. He was a graduate of Plains High School in Plains, GA, earned a BA in Biology and a BS in Chemistry from Georgia Southwestern College and Georgia Southern University respectively. Tommy lived most of his life in Georgia, where he started his professional career at Southern Nitrogen Co in Savannah, GA in 1964. He moved into a 33 year career in the paper industry. He retired from Champion Paper Co in Cantonment, FL in 1999. He started and operated Pensacola Mill Investment Club for 20 years. He served on The Board of Directors at the Harvesters Federal Credit Union for 27 years, retiring as Board Chairman. Tommy was active in several churches serving as deacon. He was an amateur genealogist, he authored a published book on his family line. He was an active contributor to a National Data Base that helps others to locate gravesites and lineage information. He was an avid reader, enjoyed bird watching, gardening, canning, fishing, and traveling the globe with his wife. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Madge Baker. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan C. Surles, two sons: Darren Coe, Brett Sterling; four grandchildren, Steven (Aubrey) Plumley, Sherry Frances Hudson, Brett Sterling Surles II (Brooke), Thomas Wendell Surles; brothers, William Michael (Anna), Stephan Daniel (Gay), Russell G. (Judy) and sister, Judy Carol S. Johnson (Jack) as well as six great grandchildren and a large number of relatives and friends. The funeral and viewing will be for immediate family only. A public celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
June 18, 1940 - January 20, 202106/18/194001/20/2021
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Tommy Surles
February 7, 2021
Tommy Surles
February 7, 2021
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Bill Farinas
February 7, 2021
It was a privilege to know Tommy. He would contact me twice a year to speak at the IP retirees group. He would also include me for their fish fry and barbecue get togethers. He always had a smile for everyone and always tried to make life better for all. Bill Farinas
Tommy Surles
February 7, 2021
this my Daddy I will forever thankful to have been raised by such an amazing man. I love you and I'll miss you until the day I die.
Tommy Surles
February 7, 2021
these two
Tommy Surles
February 7, 2021
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Sheila Lohbeck
January 28, 2021
I was so sorry to hear of Tommys passing. He was a boss, friend and mentor. He was the quintessential Southern gentleman. He will be missed

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Tommy L. Surles, III.

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Anna Palmer
January 26, 2021
I will miss his kumquat marmalade! Love the picture, captures his sense of humor and kindness. Jan,we will all miss Tommy, Anna
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Kisha Smith
January 26, 2021

I send warm thoughts and prayers to the Surles family during your time of loss. Losing a loved one is always hard, but you are not alone. Remember that the Lord is with you everyday walking right with you. Look to Him for peace an...
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Sherry
January 26, 2021
My dearest Pawpaw, you were the best man in my life. No one else compared to your kind sweet self. You ment the most to me because you were there for every part of my life. Through helping me become a mom, convincing me to become a mom again, teaching me about life and b... Continue Reading