William (Bill) J. Surls, of Cummimg, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on June 19, 1940, in Cedartown, Georgia, to Joseph P. and Wilma L. Surls.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Above all, he was a man who loved his family deeply and loved Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife and love of his life, Marian Weaver Surls, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage.

He is also survived by his son, David Joseph Surls of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and his wife, Mindy. Their three children are Jonathan and his wife, Sarah, and their children Maddie, Drew, and Noah, of Brookhaven, Georgia; Rachel and her husband, James, and their children Cash, Kendall, and Ruby, of Athens, Georgia; and Matt and his wife, Julianne, and their daughter Greta, of Seattle, Washington.

Bill is also survived by his daughter, Christie Surls Mathews of Keller, Texas, and her husband, Jody. Their children are Carson of Austin, Texas, and Cambridge of Nashville, Tennessee.

Bill is also survived by his sister, Linda Stell. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph P. and Wilma L. Surls, and his siblings Joe Surls, Becky Vessel, and Cris Surls.

After graduating from North Georgia College, Bill proudly served six years in the United States Army, where he was an Expert Marksman on the competitive National Rifle Team. Following his military service, he began a distinguished 33-year career with Lockheed Aeronautical Systems Company, ultimately serving as Manager of Contracts.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved hunting and fishing. Fly fishing held a special place in his heart, and he enjoyed tying his own flies and sharing them with fellow fishermen. He was also passionate about shooting sports and took great pride in reloading his own ammunition. His love of the outdoors was more than a hobby—it was one of the many ways he enjoyed God's creation and shared time and friendship with others.

Bill's faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life. He faithfully served for many years as a deacon and volunteer at First Redeemer Church in Cumming, Georgia, and also served as a member of the Disaster Relief Team with the North American Mission Board. His faith was reflected not only in his service to the church, but in the way he lived his life and cared for those around him.

Bill was a loyal friend and a steady presence to the people who knew him. He was a role model of stability, strength, integrity, and faith to his nephews, nieces, and extended family. He was a loving Granddaddy to his five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, who brought him great joy, and a devoted and doting husband to his precious wife, Marian.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, friendship, and quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior. Visitation- Wednesday October 14 2026. 12-2 Service 2pm

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bill's favorite ministry of church planting at First Redeemer Church. Please navigate to https://www.firstredeemer.org/give, select the "Other" category, and enter something similar to "Please designate this contribution to the Global Church Planting ministry in memory of Bill Surls."

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23