Mr. Elmer V. Surber, age 90 of Harrogate, TN, was born September 13, 1922 and went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He accepted Christ as his Savior as a young man and was a member of Shawanee Baptist Church. He served as Training Union Director and Sunday School teacher.

He served as a Deacon for 57 years. He was on the first basketball team and first graduating class of Forge Ridge High School . He served in the 36th Armored Infantry Regiment TU where he received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He then returned back to Tennessee and was married 2 days after to the love of his life, Ruby and was married to her for 67 years. He worked for the Knoxville News Sentinel and he retired after 35 years.

He was an avid fisherman man, hunter and gardener, but most of all he was a loving father and grandfather and hero t to his three sons and grandson. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, T.R. and Patsy Massengill Surber; brother, Charles Surber and granddaughter, Kristie Rae Surber.

He is survived by his loving wife: Ruby Surber of Harrogate, TN; sons: Bill and wife Sherrie Surber of Harrogate, TN, Bob & wife Robin Surber of Knoxville, TN, George & wife Mitzi Surber of Harrogate, TN; grandchild: Henry Clay Surber of Harrogate, TN; sister: Louanna Moles of Vandallia, Ohio; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Shawanee Baptist Church building fund c/0 Mitzi Surber P.o. Box # 140 Shawanee, TN 37867

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday night January 12, 2013 at Shawanee Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Friday night at the church. Burial at 11:00 a.m. Saturday with Military Honors in the Harrogate Cemetery.

Ministers will be Rev. John Gibbons and Rev. Jason Miracle. Singer will be Jane Cox. Pallbearers are Steve Blocker, Dan Peters, Eddie Chumley, Dennis Edwards, Lloyd Poore, Kermit Owens, Shane Simpson, Jeff Estes, Randy Burchett. Honorary pallbearers are Shawanee Baptist Church Mens Sunday School Class.

Coffey Funeral Home in charge.