WILMINGTON — Roland Henderson Surles, age 78, of Wilmington, NC passed away on November 17, 2023 at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington, NC.
Roland was born on April 18, 1945 in Wayne County, NC to the late Rowland and Ethel Surles. He was the eldest child of six children.
As an adult, Roland became a patriotic and proud member of the Wilmington, NC community. He was known as a hard worker and helpful neighbor.
Roland spent 33 years of his career as a machinist at Dupont. When he was not working at Dupont, he could often be found at Northside Church. Roland was an active member of his Sunday School class and the Men’s Ministry. Roland especially enjoyed food and fellowship. His favorite candy was orange slices. When he wasn’t cooking food on the grill, he loved working on cars and watching T.V. in his free time. During ACC Basketball season, he enjoyed cheering on the Tarheels with his neighborhood Tarheel Club. Roland had a passion for driving and especially enjoyed road trips with his wife, Phyllis Surles. He was a dedicated family man for 50 years.
Roland and Phyllis worked together to create a welcoming home and close-knit family for their children and grandchildren. He leaves behind a lifetime of good memories as a great-grandfather, grandfather, father, brother, uncle, friend, neighbor, and coworker.
Roland is survived by his spouse, Phyllis Carter Surles; daughter, Terri Surles Green (Eric); sons, Roland Dwayne Surles and David Anthony Surles (Trish); brother, Randall Dwight Surles (Jewell); sisters, Sarah Surles Andrews, Ruby Surles Waters (Bud) and Marilyn Surles Taylor (Joe); grandchildren, Andrew Green, Caroline Green, Savannah Surles Lewis (Arnel); Georgia Surles Meckley (Caleb), Sarah Surles, Emily Surles, Chloie Elliott, Skye Henry (Braxton), Taylor Surles, and Haylee Surles; and great-grandchildren, Hayden Arnel Lewis, Hudson Reed Lewis, and Olivia Lopez.
In addition to his parents, Roland was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Surles; and special aunt, Rachel Thompson.
A funeral service will be held at Northside Church, 2501 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405 on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Kenny Chinn and Pastor Rob Strickland officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service for visitation. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412 with the U.S. Army performing military honors.
Charitable contributions in memory of Roland may be made to either Wilmington NC Chapter 11 of the Disabled American Veterans at 4601 Park Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403 or to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare or to Northside Church Senior Adult Ministry.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
