Clifford "Danny" Surface

Clifford “Danny” Surface, 77, of Pisgah Road, Princeton, WV passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Brian Center in Fincastle, VA where he had recently been transferred to following a lengthy stay in Bristol Regional Medical Center and the Greystone Nursing Home in Blountville, TN. Born July 29, 1935, in Mercer County, WV, he was the son of the late Giles Robert and Ethel Irene Belcher Surface of Sandlick, WV. He retired from the United Mine Workers of America as International Executive Board Member in 1993. He had previously held the positions of District 29 Board Member and District and International Organizer. Before being elected to these positions by the UMWA membership, Danny worked for Patsy Trucking Company as a truck driver/mechanic. He also ran a produce market and a used car lot prior to that. In addition to his parents, Danny was preceded in death by three sisters Helen King, Maxine Shrader and Betty Barnette, and two sons, Danny Mark Surface and Paul Joseph Surface. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 30 years, Judy Fitzpatrick Surface, of the home, daughters, Shelia Roland and husband Barry, of Princeton, Julie Surface and fiancé Danny Franklin, of Princeton, Crystal Gumann and husband Matthew, of Randolph, NJ, and Marlana Wiley and husband Christopher, of Athens; sons, Matthew Surface and wife Tammy, of Newton, NC, Dr. Luke Surface and wife Carol, of Minnetrista, MN and Stephen Surface, of the home; three brothers: Robert Surface and wife Betty of Rock Camp, WV, Roger Surface of Princeton and David Surface and wife, Connie, of Bluefield; grandchildren: Jeremy Walker, Marsha Todd, Adam Roland, Brandon Roland, Brooke Dillon, Shawna Surface, Alexandra Wiley, Preston Gumann and Ava Gumann, and 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Before the onset of his illness, Danny attended the Sweet Home Baptist Church and Burke Memorial Baptist Church. He had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Danny was an avid flea marketer, loved gardening and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also was an avid supporter of the United Mine Workers of America and was a member of Local 7086 in Beckley, WV. Funeral services with UMWA participation will be conducted on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Thurman Belcher of Sweet Home Baptist Church officiating at Craven-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday, February 28, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A private burial will be held at the Surface-Sandlick Cemetery. Serving as pall bearers will be Duane Surface, Joey Surface, Phillip Surface, Rusty Shrader, Mike Coburn and Tom Harshbarger. Online condolences may be sent to the Surface family at www.cravens-shires.com The Surface family is being served by the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV.