Vantee Surney

Vantee Surney  called "Van" by everyone who knew and loved him was born August 29, 1934 in Clarksdale, Mississippi to Willie and Martha Surney, both preceded him in death along with three other siblings, Willie Surney Jr., Nancy Williams, and Charles Surney. His love for Gary made him a lifelong resident of this town.

Van spent the early part of his career driving for Safeway Cab Company #48(was his cab number), when the cab company left Gary he went to work for Gary’s Currency Exchange delivering telegrams for Western Union. When this phased out as we all know times changed and Van became the infamous “number’s man” running the lottery. He stayed with this profession running number until he became ill.

Vantee accepted the Lord late in life but not too late to make it unto heaven’s pearly gates by confession unto the Lord with the help of his son Dakota and Joel Osteen. Van made his transition on the same day of his younger brother Charles on April 21st. He was 85 years young, He leaves to cherish and celebrate his loving memory: 1st (ex)wife Laura Williams; 2nd (ex)wife Seneca Surney; children, four daughters, Velma Brown, Yolanda (Landi) Surney-Wise, Charmal Surney, and Shavette Surney alone with six sons,  Lamont Vantee Williams, Darren Surney, Kevin Surney, Vantee Surney, Van-Mychal Surney, Dakota Surney; one brother, Robert Surney; 38 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

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