William Surber Obituary

William Surber

March 13, 1942 - September 10, 2025

William Andrew Surber, 83, of Rural Retreat, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025. A native Virginian, he was born the fourth of eight children to Louis Early and Mattie Comer Surber March 13, 1942 in Saltville.

Mr. Surber was a loving husband and father, retiree of Southwestern Bell, and a storyteller. Most importantly, he loved the Lord and thanked him daily for all he had done in his life and in the lives of those around him. Even during his final illness, Mr. Surber was known to pray out loud, remembering the names of loved ones and asking for his will to be done.

A graduate of Rich Valley High School, Mr. Surber began his career as a phone man with Indiana Bell in 1967. While on loan to Southwestern Bell in Houston, Texas, Mr. Surber was introduced to the former Caroline Tijerina by a mutual friend. He often told the story that after just one look, she effectively "nailed his wandering boots to the ground." The Surbers were married November 24, 1974 and made their home in Houston until retiring to Rural Retreat in 2009.

Mr. Surber was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Caroline; first wife and later friend, Charlotte Conger; sister, Patsy McVey; brother, Louis Surber, Jr.; stepson and stepdaughter, John Reyes and Randi Reyes Dryden.

Among a large extended family surviving are siblings, Earlene Kestner, Nancy (Charles) Taylor, Robert (Connie) Surber, Randy (Tina) Surber, and Shari (Perry) Clore; son, Anthony (Vicky) Surber; daughter, Shawn Hannah; grandchildren, Andrew Dryden, Kelly (Ryan) Ebeling, Stefanie Hannah, Emory Greywood, Henry Surber, and Virginia Surber; and great-granddaughters, Adelyn and Evyana Ebeling. Mr. Surber also enjoyed a special relationship with his niece, Lisa Lambert and her husband, Daniel.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Lindsey Funeral Chapel with Pastor Perry Clore officiating. Graveside service will immediately follow at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Rural Retreat. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service.

Mr. Surber freely and generously gave to anyone who asked. He believed the Lord had been good to him and blessed him, and it was his responsibility to pass those blessings on. Flowers are appreciated, or memorials may be made to your local place of worship.

Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat is serving the Surber family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.highlandfuneralservice.com.

Lindsey Funeral Home

219 N Main St., Rural Retreat, VA 24368