Russell C. Surles

Russell C. Surles August 14, 1941 - September 23, 2024 83 Years Old Russell C. Surles passed away peacefully in his home Monday, September 23, 2024, after a long battle with Parkinson and Vascular Dementia. Russell was born August 14, 1941 in Lake Providence, Louisiana to Dorothy "Dot" Grant Surles and Russell L. Surles. He was the loving husband of 46 years to Sandra "Sandy" Ramsey Surles. Russell graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS Degree in Chemistry. He also served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era as a chemist at the US Army Chemical Corp at Edgewood Arsenal Base in Maryland. Russell started his career with Ciba Geigy Chemical Corporation and advanced his career throughout the years retiring with 3M Corporation in St. Paul, Minnesota. Russell impacted the lives of many people throughout his lifetime. He had a servant's heart and enjoyed helping others. He helped neighbors, friends, and strangers alike and never missed an opportunity to show the love of God to others. This was his ministry. His kindness also extended to all the animals and he became known as the "dog rescuer." Russell opened his home to many animals in need. He also loved bird watching and kept an endless supply of bird feeders and fresh water for all his backyard feathered friends. Russell loved his family unconditionally, and they were always in his heart. Russell would always give those he loved nicknames; you know who you are! He was no stranger to nicknames as he held quite a few himself. Russell, known as Uncle Cooter to his nieces and nephews; Cooter to his siblings; BK (Burger King) to his nurses because he had to have it his way or the highway, Sir Russell (promoted to Lord Russell) by his UK neighbor just to name a few. Russell had many famous quotes known by anyone who truly knew him, but one that stands out is "Arrivederci Roma" which means "until we see each other again" which we will, indeed, see Russell again in Heaven. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Russell Surles. Survivors include his devoted wife, Sandy Surles; two children, Steven Surles and Lee Surles; a sister, Beverly Surles; three brothers, Terry Surles, Keith Surles (Rita), and Jeff Surles (Stephanie); sisters-in-law, Melba West and Barbara Smith; brother-in-law, Gene Smith; and mother-in-law, Roberta Ramsey; as well as many loved nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Breaking Bread for Jesus, PO Box 430, Lyman, SC 29365 or Lyman Methodist Church, 106 Groce Road Lyman, SC 29365 A Life Remembered Memorial Service is as planned: Memorial Service and Visitation Lyman Methodist Church 106 Groce Road Lyman, SC 29365 11:00 AM - Visitation 12:00 PM - Memorial Service Graveside Committal and Military Honors Perkins Memorial Cemetery 235 Syphrit Road Wellford, SC 29385 1:00 PM Pastor Erik Grayson will officiate.

Tributes

Russell C. Surles

August 14, 1941 - September 23, 2024