The employees and students of Indian River Charter High School wish to recognize the passing of a true hero, Major Surles. For five years Major watched over us with his official title of School Security Guard but we all knew he was far more than that. You could count on Major to greet you everyday with a smile, a laugh and words of encouragement. He took an honest interest in the welfare of the students and school employees lending his assistance in any way possible, sometimes simply using his ever present golf cart to give a ride to someone laden down with books, other times offering the understanding and quiet wisdom that can only come from a grandfather.

Major kept us all on the straight and narrow, being a consummate role model for every life he touched. If a freshman or transfer student didn't understand the code of respect, trust and compassion that IRCHS was built on, then simply meeting Major was all that it took. He epitomized the values and character of our school and wore them as a badge of honor.

Major emboldened us with laughter and love, challenged us to be better everyday, taught us that life is a journey and not a destination and finally showed us how to embrace every step of that journey from beginning to end.

Major Surles died at the age of 82 on August 19 th 2008. A memorial service was held in his honor on August 23 rd on the IRCHS campus. There were over 350 students, school employees, friends and family in attendance. The prelude and postlude were played by Dr. Ray Adams, and Major's son Mark played saxophone while the IRCHS VAPA choir sang "How Great Thou Art". Major was eulogized by Pastor Buddy Tipton, and Assistant School Director Jon Sternberg and Senior Alexandra Evans presented personal remembrances. The service concluded with the Vero Beach VFW honoring Major, a WWII veteran, with a 21 gun salute and the soulful playing of "Taps". Major's widow, Missouri, was presented with an American flag.

We will miss you Major but we know that you are here still. We feel your presence in all we do and all that we strive to be. Take care and keep 'em parked straight in heaven.