Edward Arwid Surrey, Jr., 93, of Crosby, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, in Baytown, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 3, 1931, in Houston, Texas, to the late Thelma Ovita Bracewell Surrey and Edward Arwid Surrey, Sr. He lived a life of love, accomplishment, and cherished memories.
A gifted athlete, Ed graduated from Crosby High School with the class of 1949. He earned a football scholarship to Wharton County Junior College, where he excelled both on the field and in the classroom, earning a place on the Dean’s List. His passion for education continued, leading him to Baylor University and his first degree. Ed moved to California where he worked and met Bertia his soon to be wife. After a few years, Ed then moved back to Texas where he attended Southwestern Theological Seminary. Although close to completing his doctorate at the Seminar, Ed then felt the call to be a public school teacher. He worked full time and attended North Texas University at Denton and obtained his Masters in Education.
Ed’s career as an educator spanned more than thirty years with time spent working in Rhome, Texas at the Elementary School and also at Northwest ISD where he was a coach as well as a teacher. He finished up his career with many years working at Fort Worth ISD, where he shaped the minds and hearts of countless students before retiring. His dedication to his profession and passion for teaching made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to learn from him.
In his younger years, Ed was a brilliant athlete and a talented musician. Just like his brothers, he loved to fish, play dominoes, hunt, and go to church.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 63 years, Bertia Inez Boling Surrey; and his siblings, Betty Surrey Willingham and Richard Alan Surrey. He is remembered as a caring father, brother, husband, and friend who left a legacy of wisdom, spiritual guidance, and compassion that will forever be treasured by his family and all who knew him.
Ed leaves behind to cherish his memory his children Edward Arwid Surrey, III, and wife Barbara of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, and Susan Poskus and husband Matt of St. Petersburg, Florida; his grandson David A. Bogardus and wife Susanna; his siblings Sue Meder and husband Joel of Conroe, Texas, Tommy Surrey of Sheldon, Texas, and Jimmy Surrey and wife Barbara of Sheldon, Texas; along with numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
A graveside service and committal will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Fairlawn Cemetery in Liberty, Texas.
The family deeply appreciates the love and support extended to them during this time of grief.
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