George Surtees

George Thomas “Tom” Surtees, of Birmingham, passed away peacefully in his home on December 23, 2016, following an extended battle with cancer.

Tom was born on March 5, 1950, to George and Margaret Surtees. The family moved to Wylam, Alabama when Tom was an infant, and he had fond memories of growing up there. He was a lifelong member of Martin Memorial United Methodist Church in Wylam and currently a member of Bluff Park United Methodist Church in Hoover.

He graduated from Ensley High School, and attended the University of Alabama and UAB, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Business Administration degree. He was also a veteran, serving in both the Alabama Army National Guard and the Army Reserves, retiring in 1997 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Tom worked in human resources in the Birmingham area for most of his adult life. Before being appointed as the Director of the Alabama Department of Revenue in 2004, he worked at Lamson & Sessions, Stockham Valves & Fittings and Citation Corporation. He was appointed as the Director of Industrial Relations in 2007, which later became the Alabama Department of Labor, where he served as Commissioner. He dedicated over 20 years of his life to public service, and served under two Alabama governors, Governor Bob Riley and Governor Robert Bentley. He was well known around the Capitol, and was admired and liked by many. He was often referred to as “a true statesman” and “a classic gentleman.” He also served for four years on the Pleasant Grove City Council and for six years on the Jefferson County Board of Education, four of those as its president. Following his work with state government, Tom joined McKinney Capital, enjoying his colleagues and work as Chief Administrative Officer.

Tom was well known for his love of baseball. He loved baseball history, players, trivia, and had an excellent collection of baseball memorabilia, which he would gladly display to anyone interested. His love of baseball began at the young age of 10, when he became a batboy for the Birmingham Barons, who played at Rickwood Field, America’s oldest ballpark. He would later become very involved in the preservation and upkeep of this historic field, working with the “Friends of Rickwood” organization. He also played in the organization’s yearly volunteer baseball games for as long as he was able. Another of Tom’s passions was woodworking. He enjoyed his time with friends in the woodworking community as a member of the Alabama Woodworkers Guild.

Tom’s service oriented heart was observed by all who knew him. He served as the Chairman of the Alabama State Combined Campaign, a division of the United Way, for seven years, raising more than six million dollars for charitable organizations. He also worked with the Boys Scouts of America, the Boys and Girls Club, and the American Cancer Society.

Tom’s greatest love was for his family. He cherished his wife of 44 years, Cecilia. He was very devoted, and went out of his way to make sure that she was happy at all times. His children were his pride and joy, and he loved to tell his friends and colleagues of their successes. He doted on his grandchildren, constantly filing away tidbits of interesting information to tell them later. In his eyes, they were the sun and the moon.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Cecilia Woods Surtees, son, Lee Thomas Surtees (Krista), daughter, Lynn Elizabeth Surtees Pruitt (Scott), grandchildren Ward Thomas and Kate Elizabeth Surtees and John Thomas Surtees Pruitt, all of Birmingham, sister, Janice Surtees Roberts (Bill), of Birmingham, brother-in-law Jim Woods, of San Francisco, sister-in-laws Jenny Franklin (Bobby) and Becky Durham Hyde (David) of Birmingham, many nieces and nephews, and loving colleagues and friends.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Harry Erba, Dr. Amitkumar Mehta and the countless nurses and technicians at UAB Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to support Leukemia and Lymphoma research at UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.