AUGUSTA, Ga. – Karnig (Bo) Surabian, 84, entered into rest on Wednesday,  April 10, 2013, at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 18th, at Resurrection Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Hunter officiating. Burial was private.

Mr. Surabian was born on 9 January 1929 and spent his childhood years in Hartford, Connecticut. At seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with valor for more than two decades. He deployed to the European theatre as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. During the Korean Conflict, he served in the 1st Cavalry Division and was three-times wounded in defense of his country. He earned numerous decorations and commendations for his service, including the Bronze Star (V) and two Purple Hearts. He held both the U.S. Army Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge and the national record for his marksmanship. His distinguished service was profiled on a television interview with Mike Wallace and earned him an invitation to the White House and meeting with President Kennedy.

A devoted husband, father, and Opa, Mr. Surabian was married for fifty-four years to the late Ruth Schuhmacher Surabian. He leaves cherished memories with his two daughters, Susan Pond and Michelle Mock (Hal); his three grandchildren, Emilie Pond-Kontur (Jason), Harold Mock (Brandie), and Jordan Mock; and his two great- granddaughters, Hannah Ruth Pond and Sophia Grace Pond. His days were brightened by the good cheer of his loving caregiver, Jewell Ricketson.

Mr. Surabian battled Alzheimer’s disease with characteristic dignity, strength, and humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, 7008 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va. 22003, or to the Alzheimer’s Association , P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Please visit www.mcneillfuneralhome.com to sign the family’s personal guestbook. McNeill Funeral Home, 109 Shaw St., Martinez, Ga. 706-364-9122