Saltville, Virginia

Barry Stephen "Steve" Surber

Barry Stephen "Steve" Surber, age 72, of Saltville, Virginia, passed away on July 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 23, 1952, in Saltville, to the late Robert and Helen Surber. Steve was a proud graduate of R.B. Worthy High School. After graduation, he began his career as a school bus driver for Washington County and later Smyth County. He also worked at Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville and served as a Junior Member of the Saltville Rescue Squad, where his dedication to service quickly grew. Over the years, he became Captain of the Rescue Squad, proudly serving his community during countless emergencies.

On June 24, 1975, Steve began his career in law enforcement as a patrol officer for the Saltville Police Department and started the Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy on February 16, 1976 and graduated March 13, 1976. His leadership and commitment to public safety led him to serve as the Chief of Police in Saltville from 1995 to 2010. He devoted unimaginable hours, lots of energy, but most importantly, lots of love serving and protecting. Following his tenure as Chief, he continued his service to the community as a bailiff for the Smyth County Sheriff's Office from 2010 to 2015. Never one to step away from community involvement, Steve served on the Saltville Town Council from 2016 to 2024. Throughout his life, he was a cornerstone of the Saltville community, always ready to lend a helping hand and serve with dedication and integrity. Above all, Steve was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband, father, and brother, and he especially cherished his role as a grandfather. His family was his greatest pride and joy, and he loved every moment spent with them. He was a role model to all of his family and members of the community, and he was also like a second dad to many, inspiring several of the local law enforcement in their careers while teaching them valuable life lessons and the occasional butt chewing. His legacy is one of service, leadership, and love—for his community and, most importantly, his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his three sisters, Sandy Peery, Jean Ella Talbert, and Darlene Paul; his mother and father-in-law, Kenneth and Lois Smith; brothers-in-law, Fred Paul and C.W. Talbert; and nephew, Kem Paul

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 16 years of marriage, and 34 years spent together, Karen Surber; his children, Ben Surber and wife Tamsyn, Randy Surber and wife Sarah, Kris Tolbert, Kevin Tolbert and wife Brooke, and Misti Greer; fourteen grandchildren, Hayley, Chloe, Wade, Bristol, Decklan, Calum, Connor, Colin, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Addison, Cooper William, Marra, and Stephen; brothers-in-law, Michael Smith, and Frank Smith and wife Debi; special nieces and nephews, Tracie Coe, Amy Frye, Chuck Talbert, Tina Peery, Bobby Todd Peery, Graham Ellen Nipper, Lisa Orm, Staci Smith-Lester, Brandon Smith, and Johnna Deans; several great-nieces and nephews; three great-great, nieces and nephews; his church family at the Broadford First Church of God; and all of his "Brothers in Blue".

The family would like to give a special thanks to Smyth County Fire and EMS, Richardson Ambulance Service, Southwest Virginia Home Health Care, and Dr. Murphy and Tracie Coe from Family Care of Chilhowie.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Henderson Funeral Home with Pastor David Mumpower officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 5 until 7 p.m. prior to the service.

Flowers are accepted and appreciated, and donations may also be made to Northwood Athletic Department in honor of Steve.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barry Stephen "Steve" Surber.