Willie Surles, Jr.

Willie Surles, Jr. son of Paula Jones Surles and the late Willie Surles, Sr.   was born in Paterson, New Jersey on February 6, 1971, at 7:25am.  He weighed 6 lbs and 6oz.  He was dedicated to the Lord at the age of two months by Rev. Gadsen Graham (First Canaan Baptist Church), in Paterson, NJ. He was the first grandchild of his maternal grandmother, the late Annie Young Dunn Jones.  His maternal grandfather was the late Logan Ruffin Jones.  His paternal grandparents were the late Arthur Surles and the late Annie Mc Neil Surles. He transitioned from this life on June 28, 2023, in Jonesburg, Georgia.

Willie Jr. attended Kindergarten-2nd grade at Underwood Elementary. During his second-grade year, he was recognized as Student of the Month.  From 3rd -5th grade, he attended at Aldert Root Elementary, under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Earp. In the fourth grade, he entered an art contest.  He molded a sculpture of Sir Walter Raleigh.  After reviewing his artwork, Wake County and North Carolina state art critics selected his work to send to the Smithsonian. He also performed his first solo during a Christmas play.  Upon completion of elementary school, he attended Mathew and Carnage Middle School.  He graduated form Enloe High School in Raleigh, NC, in 1991 under the leadership of Principal Buddie Thomas.  Mrs. French, Mrs. White, and Mrs. Stallings were his favorite high school teachers. He received many awards from elementary though high school. 

He was employed at Austin Quality Foods in Morrisville, NC for almost 30 years, which he loved dearly, including the people. He enjoyed the friendly and family atmosphere, which the company displayed.

 He became a Christian and was baptized by late Dr. C. R. Trotter, Sr, at the age of nine years old at Faith Missionary Baptist Church.  He joined the Cub Scouts Program of Wake County.  He was a Junior Usher, chair member, and a Junior Missionary Circle member at Faith Missionary Baptist Church.  Upon joining New Bethel Christian Church, he continued to serve God in various ways.  He joined the Usher Board and the Male’s and the Mass Choirs.  He remained faithful til death.  He loved praising God and singing to the glory of God.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his mother Paula Jones Surles and sister Suzanne Lynette Surles, of the home, and sister Mrs.  Lurenda Teasley (Joe) of Youngsville, NC.  Including his uncles; Deacon Clayton Surles of Raleigh, NC, Deacon and Mrs.  Lawrence Surles of Fayetteville, NC, and Mr. And Mrs. Reuben Surles of San Antonio, Texas. His Aunts are Pastor Shirley Blue of Dunn, NC, Rev. Reatha Mae Truesdell of Raleigh, NC, Mrs. Lena High (David) of Knightdale, NC, and Mrs. Carolyn Rodriquez of Fayetteville, NC and numerous cousins and other relatives.

We thank God for Willie Jr. loving ways and gentle spirit.  He will forever be missed by us, as well as his favorite dog (JR Surles).   We are grateful for all the loving comforting words and deeds.  God has spoken, Let the church say Amen!

 Funeral service will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at New Bethel Christian Church, 4307 Old Poole Rd, Raleigh, NC., preceded by a visitation beginning at 11:30 AM.  A public viewing is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Haywood Funeral Home, 2415 South Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27603.  Burial will follow the service at Carolina Biblical Gardens, Garner, NC.

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