Fergus Alan Surgenor

(Fergus) Alan Surgenor, most recently of Southport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 25th, 2024 surrounded by 3 of his children and his beloved partner Carol Naughton. He was the son of James and Anna Surgenor of Ballymena. He was born on 31 January 1946 in The Cottage Hospital in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force just before his 18th birthday and traveled extensively throughout Great Britain and Europe as a driver. His sense of adventure led him to America upon his release from the RAF and he held many jobs in the US upon arrival that required only the "gift of the Blarney" and a willingness to work hard. He loved America and decided to enlist in the United States Army which he grew to love and serve for nearly 40 years, 20 on active duty and nearly another 20 as civilian with the Army Reserve.

He was an avid sportsman, highly competitive in all sports - - rugby, cricket and track in high school and later soccer and golf. He signed with Ballymena Football Club when he was 17, just before joining the RAF, and then signed with Colchester United Football Club when he was 19. He played soccer for every RAF base to which he was assigned and was selected to play for RAF Germany and then for a combined RAF, Army and Marine XI. He coached the United States Army team to the inter-service championship with a 400 record. He turned to golf at age 46 and began his love-hate relationship with its beautiful challenges. He won Club championships wherever he lived but was most proud of the senior title he won at Albemarle Plantation because it was "gross" score.

Heaven is undoubtedly enjoying Alan's sense of humor as he could keep everyone laughing for hours with stories and jokes. He loved to share his tales of growing up in Northern Ireland and he never lost traces of that Northern Ireland accent. He had a very generous spirit and he loved his family beyond measure. Although his marriages to Shirley, Carolyn and Janet ended in divorce, he remained friends with all three exes. He described himself as a good man but terrible husband. He is survived by his six children - - Scott, Shane, Chad, Jennifer, Erin and Whitney, 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He discovered Carol Naughton online in 2013 and since then she has enhanced and enriched his life and to whom he is eternally grateful for her love, patience and support. Alan is survived by two older brothers - - Derek of Colerain and James of Cullybacky, both of Northern Ireland. His beloved younger sister Vivian passed away in 2000.

A service will be conducted at 1:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. James Plantation Chapel, 3620 St. James Drive, St. James, NC 28461.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.