Surrey Center Pharmacy is Augusta’s own local pharmacy. With a great story and friendly service, many enjoy shopping while waiting for prescriptions to be filled. Their goal is to become “your neighborhood professional pharmacy with the personal touch,” and that’s the exact ambiance you sense as you walk inside the store.
In 1971, Earl Wright, an original owner, graduated from college and moved to Augusta after marrying an Augusta native. Wright worked in different pharmacies before joining Surrey in 1979. Courtnee Russ was a good friend of Mr. Wright’s daughter, and while attending Lakeside High School, she began working for him as a cashier/clerk. Her job and encouragement from Wright inspired her to become a pharmacist. Courtnee worked weekends and holidays while attending UGA to accomplish her dreams. After graduating in 2002 with a Doctor of Pharmacy, she began working part time as a pharmacist at a local hospital and part time at Surrey Center.Eventually, she was able to work full time at the Surrey Center Pharmacy. Courtnee's career traveled full circle from clerk to Pharmacist and owner when, in 2014, Courtnee bought the store from Mr. Wright. She says that Wright was and is a great mentor and teacher as he continues to work at the pharmacy he founded. Because Courtnee began working as a teen, she has watched and befriended generations of families served by the pharmacy.
Courtnee intentionally supports local businesses by allowing them to sell products within the store. Honey from the Rock Cafe provides chicken salad, pimento cheese, casseroles and more. When things closed down due to the pandemic, the pharmacy was able to help locals with their meal needs and keep the kitchen open at the restaurant. This was also a blessing to many, making delicious provisions available for holiday meals.
Surrey Center Pharmacy has also maintained a local author’s section, which includes books from Augusta's teachers, doctors, friends, and others. It helps self-published authors get more exposure. “It’s been a neat way to get to know the people who live in our community,” says Courtnee, and she looks forward to reading their stories in her spare time. Some other things you may discover while wandering aisles are the various local small business products. Courtnee does an excellent job as buyer, supplying interesting books, unusual and family-tested toys, and unique gifts. Customers have commented on how they love the convenience of the United States Post Office substation within the store. It's no surprise; they are able to handle their shipping, do a bit of shopping, and pick up prescriptions all in one stop.
One of the other Surrey Center Pharmacists is Courtnee's husband, Robert Russ, who earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from UGA in 2001. He’s their clinical pharmacist and the numbers guy for the business. Mary Ann Wade and Alisha Hogan are recent additions to the Surrey family staff who also graduated from UGA with PharmD degrees. All the pharmacists love their technicians and consider them an essential part of their team. Serving is what they enjoy most, providing friendly services that improve quality of life for their patients, while playing an active role in helping their community achieve and maintain good health. They add the personal touch while meeting their customers' pharmaceutical needs. In the era of big box stores, long lines, poor and impersonal customer service, you will find the Surrey Center Pharmacy to be a hidden treasure in the heart of Augusta.
Find Surrey Center Pharmacy at 483 Highland Avenue or call 706-738-4558.