Thomas W. Bill McSurdy, 86 formerly of Shenandoah and Pottsville passed away peacefully into Gods care on Monday evening at Genesis Schuylkill Center, Pottsville.

Born in Shenandoah, he was the son of the late Thomas and Frances (Davis) McSurdy and was raised by the late Catherine and Harvey Birklebach.

Bill was a graduate of the former West Mahanoy Township High School where he excelled in baseball and football. He later went on to play semi-professional baseball.

He was a decorated World War II Navy Veteran. He received the Victory Medal, the American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.

Bill worked for many years in the mining industry as a heavy equipment operator.

He was a member of the William Penn United Methodist Church where he served as a former member on the Administrative Board and was an active volunteer at the annual Easter egg project for both the William Penn United Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Church, Shenandoah. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #144 of Middleport and a life-member of the Shenandoah Heights Fire Company.

Bill spent his life teaching all of those close to him about humor, tolerance and unconditional love.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 58 years, the former Catherine M. Kate (Markovitch) McSurdy on March 11, 2010; two sons, Thomas and David McSurdy; a sister, Gail R. Birkelbach and a brother, James McSurdy.

Surviving are a son Robert F. McSurdy and his wife Kim of Pottsville; seven grandchildren Jacob McSurdy, Kelly Koscil, Sara McSurdy, Kristen McSurdy, Jillian McSurdy, Kaitlyn McSurdy and Daniel McSurdy; two daughters-in-law Donna McSurdy-Rakus of Ringtown and Cheryl McSurdy of St. Clair; nieces and nephews.

Prayer and scripture services will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. Pastor Peggy Reed of the William Penn United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. There will be no calling hours on Friday evening.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the William Penn United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, c/o 35 St. Paul Street, Shenandoah, PA 17976.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.