A judge who took pride in learning every juror's name for the past 36 years said this week he wants to spend more time with his wife and his dog.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Daniel Coursey Jr. has announced he plans to retire at the end of the year, leaving an open seat in the election this year.

The judge thanked the people of DeKalb County for allowing him to serve as one of their judges for “the majority of his adult life.” The statement said he has enjoyed memorizing the names of everyone reporting for jury duty and excusing each person by name when they were finished, whether chosen for a trial or not.

Coursey was first elected in 1982 and has served for 36 years, making him the longest-serving judge in the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit. He has served as chief judge and as president of the Council of Superior Court Judges.

Speaking to a group of young lawyers in 2015, Coursey said he never liked surprises, unlike Yogi Berra, who when asked where he wanted to be buried said, “Just surprise me.”

“I say that because I hate surprises,” said Coursey. “If you've got a key issue, bring it up, Don't delay the trial, don't waste my time. Go ahead and get it out.”

Coursey also said lawyers should always be willing to work toward a reasonable settlement, assuming the other side is willing to cooperate, as well.

Even so, he said, “I love to try cases, and I don't try to beat attorneys into settling. If you want to try a case before me and you've got a reasonable case to try, we'll try it.”

The judge's statement this week said he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Heidi, and his dog, Max.