C. Roderick Surratt

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Baylor University University of Texas

C. Surratt Obituary

C. Roderick Surratt May 27, 2011 Syracuse University Law Professor C. Roderick Surratt of Syracuse, NY, died on the morning of May 27, 2011, at Francis House. Born October 18, 1943, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Cecil and Delphia Surratt (nee Loveless) Roderick, he was the first of three children. He was a B.A. graduate of Baylor University and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. After graduating law school, he served as a law clerk to a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and then engaged in law school teaching at Southern Methodist University and Florida State University prior to going into the private practice of law in Dallas, TX. After private practice, Professor Surratt arrived at Syracuse University College of Law and made Central New York his happy home of choice for 34 years. He also served as the College of Law's associate dean for Academic Affairs (1983-1985) and taught as a visiting professor at the Cornell University Law School (spring of 1998). His pro bono activities included representing plaintiffs in school desegregation litigation in Texas and presenting testimony before committees of the state legislature in New York. Professor Surratt was an expert in sports Law. His most recent scholarly research projects included Title IX issues in sports law (related to women's teams and men's teams in intercollegiate sports) as well as issues in products liability law and evidence law. Professor Surratt had a strong belief in our laws as the foundation of an equitable and just society for all. His legal work in racial and gender equality reflected those principles. Roderick is survived by his brother, Larry Surratt; sister, Peggy Kennedy; son, Michael Surratt; and three grandchildren, Katherine, William and Erin Surratt. Calling hours will be FRIDAY, June 10, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Funeral Home. The memorial service will be SATURDAY, June 11, 2011, at Park Central Presbyterian Church, 504 E. Fayette St., Syracuse, at 11 a.m. The family asks that you consider a gift to Francis House so they may continue their great works of compassion and love for those with terminal illnesses (315-475-5422 or http://www.francishouseny.org/makedonation.html) Keegan-Osbelt-Knight Inc. 900 N. Salina Street

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Published by Syracuse Post Standard on Jun. 5, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for C. Surratt

12 Entries

October 13, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of Rods death. As one of his roommates at Baylor, I admired his intelligence and ambitions. We all knew he would go far. Sorry, too, that I didn't know him in his mature years. My condolences to his family, especially little brother Larry.
Stony Carter Great Falls. Montana

Gene Noble

September 9, 2011

The loss of Rod came as a huge blow to me. I went to HS with him at Monterey HS, Lubbock, Texas. He was an exceptional person. We became best of friends, just living a few blocks away from each other. We also went to Highland Baptist Church. We rode back and forth with each other to school and church. He was one of the very closest friends I have ever had. We shared a lot of great times together, including having our first car wreck together. We were leaving church one Sunday night, and I got in a hurry and pulled out and wrecked my Dad's car by running into him in his Dad's car. Neither one of us wanted to go hame that night. After gratuation Rod went to Baylor, I had serveral ocassions where I was able go to see him in Waco
Rod and his family moved to Texarkana, Texas, I went and spent the summer there. He, Larry, and I had a blast.
Rod and I were almost Inseparable in school, church, and we hung out at each others homes. God broke the mold after he made Rod. He was kind, honest, gifted in music and highly intelligent.
I found out that he had gone to be with the Lord, as I was trying to locate him after many years not knowing where he was.
Reading the notes from many professors and students at SU, he turned out the be the man I always knew he would be.
I pray for this family, and all who will miss him. Even though I have not seen him in many years, I am deeply saddened that he is gome, but I know that his watching over us. ---- Gene Noble.

June 27, 2011

I was in church with Rod in Lubbock, Tx. when we were in high school. He and I sang in a quartet together at church. I felt led to look him up on facebook tonight and I found out he had moved to Heaven. He was a special high school friend and I will miss him. Trisha

Carson Clements

June 12, 2011

I am very sorry to hear of the loss and send my warmest sympathies and thoughts to his family. I knew Professor Surratt from my time as a student at SUCOL and learned a great deal from him. He was a great man, gifted teacher, superb musician, good friend, and always showed his sincere love of teaching and the success and happiness of all those he met. His stories and wisdom continue on in me and all he touched so closely. He will be missed.
Professor Carson Clements- Yeditepe University Istanbul

Elizabeth Herzog-McLean

June 8, 2011

I'm so sorry to hear of Prof. Surratts passing- I have many great memories of his- he and my father were both at the law school together.

Melissa Rhoads

June 8, 2011

He will be missed. He was the most energetic, entertaining professor at SUCOL.

June 6, 2011

Rod would fill any room he walked into with laughter and energy. He always left you with a smile on your face. He will be truly be missed.

Andrea King

June 6, 2011

I was at S.U. Law School while Rod was acting dean. I always went to his "Law and Baseball" lunch talks for the county bar association, at the end of which he'd pass out a quiz dealing with baseball history (which I usually flunked). He was a very competent, engaging, and cheerful person and will be missed.
Andrea King, Class of 85 SU Law

June 6, 2011

We are extremely sorry to hear of Rods passing. He was a charming and fun person. His smile and stories will be sorely missed. With Sincerely Sympathy from the Girls in the SU Payroll Service Center.

Michele

June 5, 2011

Roderick was a joy to see every time he came through our office door. He always had a smile on his face and an interesting, or funny, story or joke to share. He is truly missed by all of the staff in our office. Sincerely, Michele G @ one of his dr's office.

June 5, 2011

I knew Professor Surratt thru the Barclay Law Library at S.U. College of Law where I worked in the Circulation Department for many years.
He was always professional, friendly, and had that great smile at all times.
My sincere sympathy to his family...I was so sorry to learn of his passing.
Judy Sweenie
Syracuse, N.Y.

S Jones

June 5, 2011

Professor Surratt was an enthusiastic man and enjoyed working with students. May God continue to bless and keep his family during this tough time.

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