Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs

911 Porter Avenue

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Michael Surber Obituary

Michael L. Surber, 54, died at his home in Ocean Springs, MS on November 10th, 2009. Mike was born in Alexandria, VA on January 16, 1955 to Stephen B. Surber and Margaret G. Surber, both deceased. He grew up in Arlington, VA where he graduated from Wakefield High school in 1973. He worked at the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, NJ and at the Dunes in Las Vegas, NV prior to coming to the Isle of Capri Casino when it first opened. He was employed by the Beau Rivage Casino, where he had worked as a dealer for the past 10 years before his death.

He was well known on the Gulf Coast for his skill in pocket billiards and played occasionally in national-level tournaments. He was runner-up in the North Carolina 2005 Open in one-pocket and was a semi-finalist in the 2007 Derby City Open, also in one pocket. He also had top ten finishes playing bank pool at several other Derby City Opens and in a number of other tournaments. In addition to billiards Mike was an avid golfer.

He is survived by a sister, Hebe Lee Wiseman of Charles Town, WV and a brother, Stephen B. Surber, II of Winchester, VA. He is also survived by a niece, Shelly Wiseman and nephews, Rob and Thomas Wiseman and Trey and Daniel Surber. He was preceded in death by an older brother, Larry Lee Straw in 1995.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Make-a-Wish Foundation at 4742 N. 24th St., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4862.

A remembrance will be held on Wednesday, November 18th at 2 p.m. at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave. in Biloxi, MS. The family will welcome friends from 1 until 2.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sun Herald on Nov. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Surber

Sponsored by Sean F. Leinen ("sfleinen" on AZBilliards forums), a friend.

Not sure what to say?





Theresa Nichols

November 11, 2022

Wow, it´s been 13 years since your passing, and I still can´t believe you´re gone! I still have the coin book you gave my son!! He will cherish it forever. You will always be in my thoughts!!

Betty Harris

August 18, 2012

Heartfelt condolences to Mike's family and friends. May your wonderful memories of Mike ease your pain and grief and bring you comfort.

Mike, Shelby Ellin Bates & Jimmy Mataya - '89 Cue-Topia - Las Vegas, NV

Mary Kenniston

August 18, 2012

Although I didn't know Mike well, I knew him well enough to know he was one of the good ones...my condolences to his family, friends & pool family. Rest in peace, Mike...

phil de'Arri

January 10, 2010

A player being gone like Mike Surber is a hurt that endures a lifetime. It is where you can see that in camaraderie of the game and smiles being around him. My deepest condolences to his family and hope the best for the after effects of his loss. Phil A.

Billy

December 31, 2009

will miss this player. many good pool memories with Mike. so many years of difficult studies before finally receiving our degree from 'The Universty of Pool' - Beenie's Jack and Jills. quite the education. will miss your play Shorty. please ... rest in peace

December 30, 2009

Robbie Langford

December 15, 2009

My heartfelt condolences to family and friends.

Dan Bures

Terry Brown

December 6, 2009

I only heard about the news recently and wanted to express my condolenses to the family. I have known Mike and Steve since the 1970's. Mike and I were good friends back in the Wakefield High school days and both shared a great deal of time shooting pool and avoiding homework. 54 is far too young of an age to say good bye but the way it happened is particularly cruel. I only wish that we had kept in touch more over the years but I will remember his friendship well and look forward to a one-pocket rematch when heaven beckons me. He will probably still win but at least we will start off with an even record.
Terry Brown

Doug Carter

December 6, 2009

RIP Mike, you will be missed by many. I had the pleasure of chatting with you a few times and that is what is was. A Pleasure

Jennie Ann

December 4, 2009

The pool world has lost an unsung hero. Mike Surber was known as the consummate gentleman player on a field of green. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. RIP, Biloxi Mike.

Shirley Miller

December 2, 2009

It is wonderful to know others loved Mike and appreciated the wonderful person he was. My deepest sympathies to his brother, sister, nieces and nephews.

Joey Aguzin

December 2, 2009

I have known "Biloxi" Mike for a number of years. We were "pool" buddies and Mike and I shared our love for playing one pocket, a favorite pool game for both of us. I had the chance to see Mike play his top speed at the Derby City Classic a couple of years ago where he excelled against the best players in the world.

Mike always had a kind word and sage advice for his fellow pool players and was generous to those in need as well.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Mike will be missed by his many pool friends and acquaintances as well as his family and other friends.

I was proud to be a member of Mike's "extended" family and will always remember his kindness and friendly smile.

Joseph Fronek

December 1, 2009

I met Mike while i was stationed in Pascagoula. We played one-pocket almost daily at Gulf Coast Billiards for about two years. He was a true friend to me and he always wanted my best game, which, i had to give just to stay competitive. I will always remember him and i shall keep his friends and family in my prayers.

Hebe Wiseman

November 30, 2009

To all those who have signed the guest book for Mike - thank you so very much. Mike was my brother, and I am so very glad that he had such wonderful friends. Mike had a heart as big as God's beautiful world, and would do anything to help anyone in need. It does my heart good to read your comments. Mike will rest easy knowing that he touched so many people in such a good way. Again, thank you all so very much. We will ALL miss him....

Giles Darr

November 20, 2009

Mike was a pool buddy that I've known over the past 25 years. I'm so sorry to learn of his passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Rickey Latch

November 20, 2009

Mike,

What a true tribute as I read all of the remarks left for you. You have touched so many with your gentle and kind spirit as well as your impecable character. Earth has lost a good man and we have lost a good friend.
May each of us have learned from your kindess and hopefully we can pay you tribute by treating others as you treated them.
May GOD give your family solace through these rough times.Please keep them racked and the light on in the pool hall in Heaven.

Karrie Reed

November 20, 2009

I was privileged enough to have worked with Mike since 1999. He was a great person! Always smiling, always happy, I can honestly say I don't think I ever heard him utter one mean or unkind word. He will be truly missed! The world would be a better place with more people like Mike!

Carla Freaney

November 20, 2009

I loved being at the craps table with Mike on graveyard. We had a lot of laughs together and he was always so eager to help me learn. The world has lost a bright light with his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at such a tragic time.

Jeff Bartolo

November 19, 2009

His Family,friends and the pool world has lost another one of the good ones on the earth. RIP Biloxi Mike.

Theresa Nichols

November 19, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great person. He had a heart of gold. I enjoyed working with him at Beau Rivage. He will be missed.

Diane Caulking

November 19, 2009

My prayers are with your family at this sad time. I hope that you soon find comfort in the memories of Mike. It was a privledge to have worked with such a kind and gentle man for 10 years at the Beau Rivage.

Deborah

November 18, 2009

Hello, I was not privilaged to know Michael, but I lost my daughter last Month so I know how you are feelng.Your heart is broken, your spirit is shaken. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Stacy McClellan

November 18, 2009

My sympathy and prayers are with you, your family, and friends during this difficult time. Mike was a great friend to my father over the years and many others as well. He will truly be missed by all those who knew him. Rest in Peace...

vuong dao

November 18, 2009

We saw Mike almost every morning when he came to get his food, Mike was a special person, and we have a chance to know the other side of him, he was quiet, nice and sweet sometimes, now we know he were great, friendly and nice to others, we do miss him, RIP Mike, I will leave some good food for you, please come and enjoy.

November 18, 2009

God Bless Biloxi Mike. The world lost a great man, we need more like him.

David Hall

November 17, 2009

In my life I have traveled across the United States and played pool and gambled with all types of people and I have never met a pool player that was anything like Mike, he was someone we all looked up to as a pool player and a great role model. My prayers go out to his family and friends... he will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

November 17, 2009

May God bless your family and bring you peace and strength in your time of need. Fellow Beau Rivage co-worker.

Steve Williams

November 17, 2009

I enjoyed working with you for 91/2 years at the Beau. You were a great person and wonderful friend. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Your friend, Steve Williams

Sarah Krohn

November 17, 2009

I am so sorry for your lost. Mike was a very nice man. I knew him and worked with him at the Isle of Capri and at the Beau Rivage. My prayers are with you and your family. Mike will be sadly missed by all.

Howard Stabler

November 17, 2009

Mike, You where a great person and friend, you had a love for life and the biggest heart of anyone I knew. Just being able to know someone like you, was a blessing in my life. Your kindness was endless. I know your in heaven looking down at all your friends and family. As we pray and ask God too protect your soul and give you endless life, it hurts me to have to say good-by this way. Thank you for being a friend.The perfect gentleman.

Tracy & Theresa Dannenmueller

November 17, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. We worked with Mike at the Beau and thought he was a great guy. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Bobby Jones

November 17, 2009

It was my privilege to call Mike a friend. He will be missed.

Rochelle Andros

November 17, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.
I worked with Mike at the Beau Rivage for 10 years and he was always quick with a smile and a hello to acknowledge anyone that stopped by his game. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be sadly missed.

Amanda & Jason Moran

November 17, 2009

Mike was one of the nicest people I have met. He and my husband played one pocket every Tuesday night for the last several years; and they became good friends. Whenever I would see Mike, he would always say thank you for letting Jason come play pool with him because he enjoyed it so much. His absence has already made such an impact, and he is very missed by his friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Steve Booth

November 17, 2009

I met Mike at a number of tournaments over the years. What a great player and a perfect gentleman, too. I will miss him.

Barbara

November 17, 2009

Mike I just wanted to thank you for your friendship and making me laugh.
You had some of the best pool stories, and you always told them without making yourself the superstar.
Thank you Mike for being who you were.
I wish there were many more people with your big heart.
lots of hugs
Barb

jack cook

November 17, 2009

R.I.P. Mike, your friends at O'Banions in West Monroe, La.

Joe & Shala Premack

November 17, 2009

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Mike was loved, respected and admired by all that had the good fortune to know him. He will be missed.

The Staff and Management of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Homes

November 17, 2009

We extend our sincere sympathy and value your trust during this time of remembrance and reflection. We pledge our support now and in the future.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Make a Donation
in Michael Surber's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Surber

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home - Ocean Springs

911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564

How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael Surber's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more