Burnis L. Hall Jr.

Burnis Lee Hall Jr. was born on August 28, 1933, in Navasota, Texas to Helen Beatrice Washington Hall and Burnis Lee Hall, Sr. His mother died when he was nine years old. He was raised primarily by his grandmother, Rena Washington (Big Mama).

He professed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 and joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Navasota where he actively participated in the BYPU Christian Education.

His initial education started at Carver Elementary school. He attended and graduated from George Washington (GW) High School at the early age of 16 in 1950. His academic excellence led to him sharing the co-valedictorian recognition of his class and being awarded a $50.00 scholarship to Prairie View A & M (College) University.

It was during his early high school years (9th Grade) when he met a beautiful, shy little country girl named Lee Cradia. She immediately captured his heart and was his 11th and 12th grade prom date. There were no limos at that time so the 12th Grade Seniors walked one block to the High School Gym to celebrate their 1950 prom.

Burnis attended Prairie View A & M College in Prairie View, Texas. While pursuing his History Degree, he worked part time in the Office of the late Dr. George R. Woolfolk, Head of the History Department. He graduated with honors in May 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Burnis was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. After Basic Officers Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Lee Cradia, his high school sweetheart, joined him after travelling via Greyhound bus to Columbus, Georgia. They were married in a Minister’s home on November 26, 1954. Afterwards, they traveled to his first military assignment at Fort Lewis, Washington. This was the beginning of 12 military assignments in the United States and overseas for the next 25 years. Specific military assignments included two combat tours in Vietnam and educational experiences as Professor of Military Science at South Carolina State College (now University). While serving as Author Instructor at the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, he was able to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in History from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. His last assignment was as Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff, 13th Corps Support Command at Ft. Hood (Cavazos), Texas. Burnis retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on December 31, 1979.

He then embarked upon a new career, earning an Associate Degree in Real Estate from Austin Community College and a Master’s Degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. His Real Estate license proved useful in the acquisition of a number of investment properties in Austin and other areas which he and Lee managed. In addition to being an investment property owner/manager, Burnis was hired as an Adjunct Professor at Austin Community College where he taught History and Government for over 21 years.

Burnis became a member of the Olivet Baptist Church family in 1980. He was later ordained as Deacon on May 18, 1986, by Pastor Lawrence V. Wicks. Deacon Hall was a very active member of Olivet. He was an instructor for the Nurture for Baptist class, a Vacation Bible School teacher, chairperson for the church stained-glass windows project, a Campus outreach participant, and church rental properties manager.

He never failed to credit any and all successful achievements to the glory of God, who provided not only his blessings in abundance, but his salvation through Jesus Christ. He continuously thanked his wife, Lee, for her sustaining love and steadfast devotion. Burnis lived to celebrate their 70th year of marriage on November 26, 2024.

In addition to Burnis’ community involvement through civic and social groups, he served as treasurer of the Black Austin Democrats for several years; president of the Prairie View Alumni Club; and a member of the Gideons, an organization of Christian Professionals, who distributed Bibles worldwide. He also served as a Board Member and Chaplain of the Navasota G.W. Carver Alumni Association donating funds for high school graduates. Burnis was a lifetime member of the Prairie View National Alumni Association and was active in both the Austin and Class of 1954 Chapters. His main recreational hobbies were bowling and playing Duplicate Bridge which involved both local and national play.

Burnis was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and youngest daughter, Sharon Denise Hall.

He leaves to forever cherish his memory his beloved wife, Lee Cradia Hall; son, Burnis Anton “Tony” Hall; daughter, Pamela Hall Vance (Anthony); son, Byron Hall (Christie); sister, Evelyn Paramore; granddaughters, Courtney Van Rosendale and Ashleigh Hall; great-grandchildren, Alexander, Sage, William and Skye; bonus daughters, Charlene, Yu Vonda, Sedora, Devine, Yvonne and Laura; bonus grandson and granddaughters, Devin Vance, Stephenie, DeJuana, and Quitta; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and Olivet Church family and friends.

A visitation for Burnis will be held Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. A visitation will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Olivet Baptist Church, 1179 San Bernard St, Austin, TX 78702. A a celebration of life will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Olivet Baptist Church, 1179 San Bernard St, Austin, TX 78702. A committal service will occur Monday, December 9, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

The family of Burnis Hall has kindly requested that any donations be made to the Homes with Hall Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations can be made by check payable to Homes with Hall Foundation, 15901 Central Commerce Dr. #201, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

Link to livestream: https://youtube.com/@olivetbaptistchurchatx?si=e8YnNVtueOTnagqm