Jerry Surles, 76, of Fayetteville died on April 16, 2018. He was born January 11, 1942 to the late Margie and Otho Surles in Pocahontas, Arkansas.
He served as a U.S. Marine. After the Marine Corps he worked for Washington County Sheriff’s office; retired from Fayetteville Police Department; and Arkansas Western Gas.
Jerry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather as well as an avid Razorback fan. He treasured making his grandkids breakfast.
He is survived by his wife, Velma, of 51 years; two children, Kim Groves of Cookeville, TN and Steven Surles and wife, Tracie of Broken Arrow, OK; three grandchildren, Joshua Groves of Cookeville and Maddison and Cameron Surles of Broken Arrow; two brothers, Thomas Surles and wife, Hattie of Baytown, Texas and Gary Surles and wife, Lou of Batesville, Arkansas; one sister, Donna Street and husband, Houston of Pocahontas, Arkansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Beard’s Funeral Chapel in Fayetteville on April 20, 2018 from 5-7 P.M. Graveside services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Old Union Cemetery in Cincinnati, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 East Longview Street, Fayetteville, AR. 72703.
We have such fond and many fun memories over the years of friendship with J.O. We’ve truly lost a good man. Our deepest condolences to all the family.
Thank you for the kind words regarding Dad.
Tom and I both worked with Jerry when we were still Arkansas Western Gas Company. He was such a hard worker and always a joy to be around. Out thoughts and prayers are with his precious family at this time. God Bless
I worked with Jerry at Arkansas Western Gas Company until his retirement. He was a good man and proud of his family. I always enjoyed being around him, he was a good friend to me. This world will miss him but he is now enjoying eternity with our Lord.
Just over a year ago, I retired from the Fayetteville Police Department. I served 33 years with the department and owe it to J.O. Surles. I knew almost nobody at the department when I first put in an application and was passed over pretty quickly. I came to speak to J.O., who was Assistant Chief at the time, and explained I really needed a job. I don’t know if he saw something in me or it was just plain pity, but he hired me and I became a career officer. I used to see him out and about and made it point to speak to him each time. Later in my career, I’d see J.O. at Baum Stadium taking in a ballgame and have to remind him who I was. I was, and am still very appreciative J.O. Surles gave me the chance to serve with the department.
Velma, I am so sorry to learn of Jerry’s passing. Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Janet McMullen
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. We always enjoyed watching Razorback baseball at Baum Stadium with you and Jerry and “helping” the umpires make those close calls. We will miss him.
It breaks my heart to hear of Jerry’s death. He played a big part in my early years and was one of the kindest people I have ever known. In recent years he has been thoughtful in keeping in touch and checking on my dad and family. I send condolences to Velma and Kim and Steven and the grandkids , who I know Jerry cherished.
Jerry was one of the good guys.