It is with a heavy heart, but a peaceful mind, that we announce the passing of Bill Burrus. William Burton “Bill” Burrus of Bartlett, TN passed away peacefully on the evening of January 5, 2021 with his beloved wife Betty (Wright) Burrus of 69 years by his side. Bill was one of the most kind, generous, funniest, and strongest men the family has known.
Billy was born on September 23, 1926 to Joanna Burton and George Tribble Burrus in Nashville, TN. Billy grew into a respectful young man and attended Litton High School. Billy, with the consent of his parents, enlisted in the Navy two weeks before his 18th birthday his senior year of school. The Navy saw fit to deploy Billy to Guam in the South Pacific with the SeaBees to operate cranes and fight alongside the Marines. By 1946, Billy returned from the South Pacific to New York and traveled to Memphis, TN where he was honorably discharged from the Navy.
As the men returned to school their senior year, Billy was especially blessed and met the love of his life, Betty Jo (Wright) Burrus. They dated until he made her his wife on May 1, 1952. Billy and Betty remained in Nashville and started their family two years later with their eldest daughter Lisa. Over the next four years, Billy and Betty added two boys to the family, Wade and Blake. In June of 1962, the Burrus family made the decision to pick up and move to Memphis, TN where they planted their roots and watched their family grow.
Billy was a successful entrepreneur and supported his family for 38 years by owning and operating his own business as a Manufacture Representative. Billy is a Tennessee Volunteer at heart and has always enjoyed watching football, golf, and tennis. One of Billy's proud moments was serving as a founding member of the Shelby Youth Sports organization in Memphis. Billy also enjoyed being a member of Advent Presbyterian Church in Cordova where he and Betty made lifelong friends and actively participated over the years.
Billy is survived by his wife Betty Jo (Wright) Burrus, daughter Lisa (George) Holmes, son Wade (Laurie) Burrus, Blake (Julie) Burrus, 7 Grandchildren: Rocky (Jamie) Burrus, Kristie (Scott) Waddell, Amie (Nick) Austein, Nicholas (Jodie) Holmes, Hunter (Maley) Burrus, Holly (David) Payne, Chase (Paige) Holmes, 21 great grandchildren, and his brother George T. Burrus.
The family will receive friends from 12pm until 1pm with a funeral service at 1pm on Wednesday, January 13. 2021, at Advent Presbyterian Church, 1879 N Germantown Pkwy, Cordova, TN 38016.
