I really expected Mike to out live me!

[Grady]

I first met mike in the 60's, when he worked for Weenie Beenie. He was a good player then, and although I didn't play him at the time, I enjoyed his help and how to match up with the locals. Jack and Jills, in Arlington,V.A., just off Glebe road might have been the greatest action joint ever. Notables included Mike Surber, Beenie, and DeValliere, Joe Dimaggio, Joe Veasey, Glenn Knows, Wade Crane, Strawberry, Rotation Slim, The Fuscos, and many more I don’t immediately recall.
At my and Randi’s star studded event on the golf coast in 93. Mike Surber played great and finished 3rd in the one pocket division. He worked at the time, at the Beau Rivage. They wouldn’t let him have any time off to play in the tournament so Randi worked with him to alter his schedule so he could compete. He gave my hard working wife a hundred dollar tip, which she never forgot.
For me, I knew Mike’s one pocket game well and took considerable advantage of that knowledge. Over the years I’ve won a few thousand dollars betting on Mike. He wasn’t a big better and he knew his comfort zone in the wagering department. Fifty or a hundred bucks a game he was completely at ease.
Mike is a guy who was total class. I’m going to miss him! And so will Randi as she is looking down.
Honored to have been his friend,
Grady

 

[jay helfert]

Me too Grady. I first met Mike in the 70's and we became friends over a pool game. He was the greatest guy to play, never a whimper or a complaint and would always say "nice shot" when you hit one good. Mike was a true gentleman gambler. He liked to bet a few dollars, just like me. If he lost he paid off with a smile and if he won, he collected with a thank you. There aren't many "Mike Surber's" in this world.

 

[Diane]

Hey Grady

Mike was definitely a first class guy and player and just the thought of the whole thing makes me sick. I only live a few miles from where Mike did and I do know that Ocean Springs has an excellent Investigator working on his case. I know they will find the scumbag that did this, but he will pay his ultimate price when he stands before God.
Mike is walking on the streets of gold now and playing in that great one-pocket tournament with all of our past legends now gone.
Glen was Mike's best friend and of course he is lost and confused right now as I know his family is too.
Mike was also a good golfer and he, Glen and I played a few times...just a talented guy all around.
My prayers go out to his family and friends...you will be greatly missed my friend!

Diane Crane-Schmid