August 22, 1921 ~ November 1, 2011
E.W. Dude Surratt was called home on Tuesday, November 1, 2011. He was born August 22, 1921, in Linden, Texas to Mattie Katherine and Emmitt Surratt. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1945 as a staff sergeant. He was wounded in May 1944 in Germany. His awards included the European-African Middle Eastern Service Medal With One Silver Battle Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Medal. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Lumpkin on May 31, 1945. They celebrated 66 years of marriage this past May. After serving in the armed forces, Dude worked for Lone Star Steel for many years. When he retired, he worked with his wife and her mother in the family flower shop in Hughes Springs. They retired from the floral business in 1991. Dude loved tending plants and making flower arrangements. He found great joy in the smiles of people when they saw the plants and flowers in his shop. Putting in a vegetable garden every spring was one of his favorite pastimes. He delighted in giving vegetables and plants to his friends and family. Another favorite pastime was fishing. He taught his children and grandchildren to fish and relished the guys family fishing trips they planned for him the past few years. Above all, his family was most important to him. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather who was always involved in his childrens lives. Dude was a member of First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs. He loved the Lord and was a humble, devoted Christian. He looked forward every Sunday to his mens Sunday school class. His parents, Mattie and Emmitt, his five brothers, Verlon, Thurmon, Rebon, Jim, and Orvel, and his two sisters, Hazel Hall and Pearl Hamilton, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Kathy Surratt, of Chandler, Texas, and his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Dennis Gilbert, of Linden, Texas. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Jeff Surratt, Greg Gilbert and his wife, Moriah, Andy Surratt, Matthew Gilbert, and Krista Surratt. In addition, he leaves five precious great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Jack Surratt, and Justin, Jack and Juliet Gilbert. Visitation will be held at Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs on Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The celebration of Dudes life will be Friday, November 4, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs at 10:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be his grandson, Greg Gilbert, and Daniel Bramlett, pastor of First Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Hughes Springs Cemetery.
Guestbook
card5
Kathy and Gary, We are so sad to hear about Dude. Mom and Dad loved both your parents so much. I feel sure Dude is in heaven talking to both of them now. Our prayers are with you.
What an amazing man!! I think of Uncle Dude and I can not help but smile. He loved life, he loved family, and he loved to make people laugh. Can you imagine that group in heaven now, they are probably telling stories and cutting up so much that God will have to tell them to calm it on down. We are all better off for having him in our lives. Gary and Kathy you have made him proud and you will carry on his memory and pass it from generation to generation. I love you all and my heart goes out to each of you.
Kathy, Dennis and family, Please know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and comfort your hearts.
You were a wonderful neighbor and friend to us for many years. My prayers and sympathy are with Dorothy and family.
We were saddened to hear of Uncle Dude's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Dude and Dorothy were great examples for those of us growing up who knew them. My mother said they helped to raise me. Dude was a dandy little league baseball coach. I learned a lot from him.
I was so sorry to hear about Mr Dude. But, one thing is for sure- He is in the arms of HIS Saviour and finally at "HOME". I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you in the days ahead. I love you.
Dorothy, Gary, Kathy and family,So sorry to hear about "Dude". He was a wonderful man and I know he is rejoicing today in Heaven with all of his family and friends that were there waiting for him. ALl of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in my prayers
We are thankful for having known Mr. Surratt. He loved his family & we enjoyed listening to him talk about his grandchildren.Remembering all of you in our prayers.