of Kerrville, TX
April 16, 2022
- Obituary
- Guestbook
Richard went to schools all over the world as his father was in the U.S. Army. He graduated from Burges High School in El Paso, Texas. Richard attended Texas A&M University. While there he was a proud member of the Corp of Cadets. He graduated with a BA in history in 1963. He then graduated from the University of Houston Law School with a JD. He also graduated from the University of Washington with a MS in Law Librarianship.
He was a law professor and director of the law library at several law schools. He began his legal career as an Assistant Professor at the University of Denver Law School. Following that, he was an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee. Moving to the University of Oregon, Richard was a full professor. He concluded his career as a full professor at the University of Illinois, and was awarded a professor emeritus title upon retirement.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Elda Surles, and by a daughter, Heather L. Surles.
Survivors include his wife, Judith Surles, daughter, Stephanie Surles (Richard Dietz), son, Richard H. Surles III (Kimberly Surles), and his granddaughters, Madelyn Dietz, Keena Dietz, and Zoe Surles.
The family held a private service for Richard.
Memorials may be given to Peterson Hospice, Kerrville, Texas. The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the kind doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Peterson Hospital, River Hills Health and Rehabilitation, and especially to Alfred from Peterson Hospice.
Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.
Sign Guestbook>>
4 Condolence(s)

Deborah Jascur
Kerrville, TX
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Dear Judy and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My sympathy and love to all.
Debby

Gary Chapman
Kerrville, TX
Friday, April 22, 2022
I have enjoyed knowing Richard for many years and shooting skeet and visiting with him. I knew Richard to be a man of great wisdom and awesome humor. He was one of the best story-tellers I have ever known and importantly a shooter with a great appreciation of fine shotguns...and a fine shot, too. He has been and will be missed at the skeet range for our weekly meetings around the "round table". Prayers to the family as they cope with the loss of this good man.

Marty Crocker
Kerrville, TX
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
It was my pleasure to know and shoot skeet with
Richard for twenty plus years. To describe him,
“Gentleman” always comes to mind. He was
friendly to everyone and never spoke a harsh
word about anyone. He had a story to tell about
every subject that came up at our “round table”
at the gun club. Some were true, others were
questionable. He is now with some other friends
that have go on before him shooting skeet on
the most beautiful skeet range imaginable .

Dan Gallagher
Kerrville,
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
I have only known Richard for two years as I recently moved to Kerrville. I had the pleasure of speaking with him one windy Friday when only he and I arrived to shoot skeet. He was incredibly interesting and a true gentleman. He will be missed.