Don Surratt

Don Surratt (81) was born February 7, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia to Colonel Maurice D. Surratt and Betty Joyner Surratt.

His father was an active service member and toured around the world bringing along his family. Don spent his younger years growing up in Germany and spoke fluent German. Don graduated High School from Kaiserslautern American High School in Germany. He also attended University of Maryland Global Campus Europe in Kaiserslautern while living in Germany. He lived in many places abroad and within the states.  Don continued his education at UMUC in the states studying engineering and went to work in Dayton, Ohio. Don later settled in the Panhandle of Florida and obtained his “Captain License” and worked for the Merchant Marines for 25 years. Upon retirement from the Merchant Marines, he was the sales manager for seven years at a Chrysler car dealership in Fort Walton Beach, Fl. He was the top salesman for seven consecutive years where he eventually became the general manager.

He enjoyed buying and selling houses after many months of remodeling. He enjoyed playing his guitar, singing karaoke, golfing regularly, and gardening, particularly roses. Don also worked on oil rigs and transported dive teams to disaster areas.  He was involved in Ixtoc oil rig fire off the of Idla de Carmen, Mexico, which happened June 3, 1979. During this catastrophe, he was responsible for taking the disaster team members to and from the rig that was burning. He was pictured on the cover of Life Magazine July 1979 issue. Additionally, he was the owner of a charter boat which took groups of tourists’ deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Don was a devoted and enthusiastic University of Florida Gators fan! 

Don was preceded in death by his father; Maurice D. Surratt and mother; Betty Joyner Surratt and his sister; Bonnie Surratt.

Don is survived by his wife; Carroll Surratt who he loved and adored. Carroll was his primary caretaker and unconditional loving partner for the past five years. 

Don is also survived by, his sisters, Penny Surratt Crutchfield; Gainesville, Fl., Sandra Surratt; Bushnell, Fl., brothers, Maurice D Surratt Jr. (Debbie) Millbrook, Al., Dale Surratt; (Isanie) Bushnell, Fl., two sons, Michael Monahan and Donnie Surratt, both from Panama City Beach, Florida, step-daughter, Denise Estep, Springfield, Ohio, grandchildren, Dylan, Matthew, Ryan, Ashley, Hannah and Kade and one great-grandchild.

Additionally, Don is survived by a very special uncle and aunt, Jack and Patsy Joyner of Canton, Ga, very special cousin and close friend, Glenn Surratt and Nanette of Gainesville, Fl. as well as numerous special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 A very special thank-you to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and therapists at Gibbs Cancer Center of Spartanburg and to his Primary Physician, Dr Mary E. Brooks who lovingly treated him with the upmost care and compassion for the last five years.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Gibbs Cancer Center of Spartanburg, SC https://www.spartanburgregional.com/locations/gibbs-cancer-center-research-institute-spartanburg,  in honor of Don.