John Zane Surface

John Zane Surface, prominent Mercer County businessman, age 91, died March 01, 2016. Sandlick lost one of its oldest and finest citizens on this date. John was born June 27, 1924. He was the son of Frank E. Surface and Jeanette Carter Surface. In addition he was preceded in death by his brothers George, William, Donald, Kelly, and his beloved wife Thelma to whom he was married 48 years. Survivors are Evelyn and Bernard Sizemore of Blythewood SC, Charles and Kay Surface of Crosslanes, WV. John was the father of three children, son Zane Surface of Sandlick, daughter Elaine and David Tiller of Sandlick, and son John Wayne and Susie Surface of Wytheville VA. He also had six grandchildren, Heather Varney, Kira Cole, Matthew Tiller, Alicia Tiller, Adam Wayne Surface, and John Paul Surface, and six great grandchildren. At the early age of nineteen he was produce buyer for Freemans Market going from Cincinnati OH and Columbia SC. In 1945, he, his father, and brothers George and William organized F. E. Surface & Sons Wholesale Produce Company. In 1949 it was reorganized as Surface Banana Company. His father Frank sold his stock to George and John. Then John purchased the entire stock to become the sole owner. He acquired the highest rating that was attainable through the Produce Blue Book. In May of 1952 God put his special mark of ownership on John. He became a member of Sandlick Methodist Church, where he served as Adult Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and Trustee. He was also a Methodist Lay Speaker. He transferred his membership to Maple View Church of Christ in 2004. John had many friends from California to New York in the produce industry. In 1955, he was voted Mercer County’s “Farmer of the Year.” John was also the organizer and co-owner of Surface Equipment Company of Salem, VA. He was also the co-organizer of Valley Bank and Trust, and the owner of Timberlake Enterprises. After selling the Banana Company in 1978 John purchased a farm in Cripple Creek, Wythe County VA. John was a businessman, farmer, and gardener. But most of all he loved the Lord and his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a man of integrity and honesty. Pallbearers will be Matthew Tiller, Adam Wayne Surface, John Paul Surface, Timmy Varney, Jason Cole, and Barry Bowman. Honorary pallbearers will be John Lawrence, Gene Bailey, Lance Bowman, Don Surface, Harry Harshbarger, Don Thomas, James Goins, Ken Hylton, Don Helmandollar, Douglas Lester, Kermit Morgan, Jake Hatcher, Richard Shrader, Richard Nelson and Bayne Grubb. The Surface family will be receiving friends and relatives on Friday March 04, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV. Funeral service will follow at 1:00pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel with Minister Tony Reed and Rev. Gene Pennington officiating the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care, 3879 Maple Acres Road Bluefield, WV 24701 or Mapleview Church of Christ, 194 Robin’s Rest Road Bluefield, WV 24701. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.