Russell Surles Jr.

SURLES, Russell Jr., passed away Friday, February 20, 2009, at the age of 45. Born in Richmond, Va., Russell became a runner at the age of 12 years old and continued until his death. Russell attended Open High School in Richmond, Va. Russell lived in Washington, D.C. for 20 years. He graduated from Wurzburg American High School in Wurzburg, Germany, at the top of his class. He received an associate degree in Applied Science from Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, Va. in 1985, and was the first student to work in the Wind Tunnel and Computer Room at NASA in Hampton, Va. He graduated from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Va. in 1989, with a bachelor's degree in music and dance and furthered his studies, earning a master's degree from the University of South Dakota. He also attended Johns Hopkins University. Russell was a huge supporter and volunteer for human rights. He also worked with the Democratic National Committee, as well as other non-profit organizations. He is survived by his mother, Elsie Surles-Harding of Keysville, Va.; one brother, Roderickus Surles "Rod" and his wife, Patricia Surles; two nieces that he loved, Caitlin and Tess Surles; aunts, Alice Coleman of Chesterfield, Faye Brown and Linda Cook, both of Richmond; an uncle, Jerry Holmes of Fern Park, Ga.; and his stepfather, Herman Harding Jr. of Keysville. Russell added unmeasurable value to this world and to many people on this planet. His contributions to his friends and family were priceless. His remains lay at Stewart Funeral Home, 4001 Benning Road, N.E., Washington, D.C. (202) 399-3600. Memorial services 11 a.m. Sunday.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.