Billy Wayne Burton

Funeral: 11 AM Thursday at Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel with interment to take place at Bell Springs Cemetery in Abbott, TX at 1:30 PM. Visitation Thursday starting at 10 AM.

Billy Wayne Burton was born in Penelope, Texas on November 13, 1939 to Robert Chester and Creola “McCaghren” Burton. He graduated from Penelope High School in 1958 before attending Sam Houston State University where he received a degree in Agriculture in 1963. In college he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and was the president of the collegiate chapter of FFA. It was while attending Sam Houston that he met his beloved wife Mary Nell Evans. They were married in May 1964 while Bill was enlisted in the Air National Guard.

Bill had an illustrious career in which he worked for many of the top food brands, including H.J. Heinz, R.T. French and Kimball Grocery. He was an amazing salesman and was known for his ability to make high volume sales. Bill never strayed far from his upbringing and education and was always very involved in the management of his farm land. In his later years he ventured out on his own as an entrepreneur opening a myriad of small food and gift shops in area malls. His most recent venture and the second love of his life was his gourmet food business in Canton, Texas where he was known for his “Green Fudge”.

Billy was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend and is going to be sorely missed by all who knew him and his infectious smile.

He is preceded by his parents, Robert Chester and Creola "McCaghren" Burton, sister, Doris Cleveland and brother William Clinton Burton.

Survivors: Spouse of 53 years, Mary Burton; daughter, Rebecca Burton; son, Todd Burton; grandchildren, Marshall Burton, Katelyn Morgan and Mackenzie Morgan; sisters, Robbie Parish and Linda and husband Bob Batton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.