Charles James Surber

Charles James Surber, 74, of Bluffton SC passed away peacefully on September 11, 2023 following a short illness. He was born on January 8, 1949 in Rahway, NJ to Lester and Anna Mae Surber. After graduating from Rahway High School, he served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in many places, some as far away as Thailand. Charles attended technical college and worked for Toppan Printing for many years. This job was perfect for him since anyone who knew him knew of his perfectionism and attention to detail.

Upon returning from serving his country, he met and married the love of his life, Sharon, on February 16, 1974. They were married for 48 years, had 3 children and 2 grandchildren. They lived in Rahway for 30 years before making the decision to relocate to the lowcountry in 2004. Throughout his adult years, one thing Charles had a passion for above all else was golf. He worked part-time at the Oak Ridge Golf Course in New Jersey and later Eagles Point Golf Club in South Carolina. When he wasn't working, he took ample advantage of the free golf these jobs provided.

To quote one of Charles' favorite musicians, Bruce Springsteen, "It’s not the time in your life, it’s the life in your time." A man of simple pleasures, Charles enjoyed nothing more than a round a golf, good food, his family, sports, and ending the day with good music. He prided himself on creating the perfect "man cave" where he could listen to music for hours (often at levels that would rattle the windows). You knew better than to call him on Sunday nights when the Giants were playing-he wouldn't answer. He was too busy watching the game with Sharon. The stereotypical father who never wanted a dog, he later adopted a dachshund named Major who earned a very special place in his heart.

He is survived by his loving children Tracy Jerue (Jason), Kate Smith (Cory), Christopher Surber, and his two granddaughters, Abigail and Sybil.

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