James Calvin Surles Jr.

October 6, 1926 - April 30, 2021

James Calvin Surles, Jr., 94 Okeechobee – James Calvin Surles, Jr. died April 30, 2021. He was born October 6, 1926 in Pelham, Georgia to the late James Calvin Surles, Sr. and Jewell Foy Surles (Shiver). A resident of Okeechobee for 11 years, he had lived in Madison for 21 years, Bronson for 15 years, and Alabama for 8 years. He raised Brahma Bulls and Quarter Horses for show. He loved to garden and can goods – he was well known for his pickled okra. Most recently he enjoyed sitting under his shade tree and breakfast with the girls at The Landing Strip. He was a member of HIS Church, It’s Jesus’ Church. Mr. Surles was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Evelena Leah (Sykes) Surles; parents; and sisters, Faye Hall, Myrtalene Howe, Shirley Singleton, and Peggy Riley. He is survived by his son, James Surles (Selina) of Bronson, FL; daughters, Patricia “Kathy” Geren (James) of Tellico Plains, TN, Charlene Berryman (Scott) of Sand Rock, AL, and Kimberly Pickles (Douglas, Jr.) of Madison, FL; twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Cumbaa of Baton Rouge, LA; special brother-in-law, Ollice Singleton of Saluda, NC; and many adopted grandchildren that came to know him as their Granddaddy, too. A celebration of life will be at HIS Church, It’s Jesus’ Church, 1167 Linda RD, Okeechobee FL 34974 at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23, 2021 for those wishing to pay their respects. Fellowship and dinner will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations through W&W Lumber or Seacoast Bank under “Thank you for your service” to aide in the care of local military veterans. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.