Wilbur Surles

SURLES, WILBUR passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County). Born 2-20-1927 in Palatka, Florida to Willis Marcus Surles and Lily Moody Surles, Wilbur grew up in the City of South Jacksonville and lived on the same street since 1931 from the age of four. The youngest of four children (Brothers Marcus Junior Surles, Fred Surles, and Sister Audrey Surles Baughman) he is predeceased in death by his father, mother, brothers and sister. He attended Southside Grammar School and Landon Jr./Sr. High School. He and his family were also charter members of the Southside Baptist Church and as a boy worked in produce at the A & P Grocery Store and Clark’s Groceries located in San Marco.

Wilbur Surles was a World War II Combat Veteran who served in the Pacific Theater at the age of 16 as an underwater demolition team member and signalman. He worked off and on for many years at the Jacksonville Shipyards as a welder, learned the tune-up trade at Duval Ford under mentorship of Mr. Prince, and also worked for the Atlantic and the Coastline Railroads as a journeyman machinist. He was self-employed as a welder/machinist for the last twenty years of his working career providing service to customers like Zambetti Steel.

Wilbur is predeceased by wife of 65 years, Leila Imogene (Gene) Zeller Surles and nephew Christopher Surles. He is survived by daughter Theresa Camille Surles Howard (Samuel C. Howard III), son Todd Calvin Surles (Cynthia M. Surles), grandchildren Molly E. Howard, Samuel C. Howard IV, Bradley M. Surles, nephews Reginald Baughman, Ronald Baughman, and David Surles.

Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 in Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home & Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32207.