Mr. William "Sonny" Henry Burns Jr.

The pages shall lie at rest until that great getting up morning.

William’s life journey began August 19, 1932 in Thornton, Texas, born to William Henry Burns Sr. and Bertha Jones Burns. He was the third of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two of his siblings, James Burns and Joyce Lee.

William attended public school in Thornton, Texas and Dallas Baptist Institute. He was considered by many to be a Bible scholar. He loved to share and spread the word of God. He was a willing worker for the Lord at the Upper Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Roosevelt Tillman. He served as deacon for more than sixty years. His name is engraved on the outside wall of the church as a tribute of love.

William’s other love in life was his beloved, Beatrice. He and Beatrice Johnson were married in 1963. They remained inseparable for forty-two years, until her death in 2005. To this union no children were born. William had a son, Ricky Washington before their marriage and they adopted and raised two sons, Larry and Arthur Wilder.

William was a hard worker for 20 plus years at Thomas S. Byrnes Inc.. After retirement he took to the hobby of repairing cars. Soon after he became known as the Community Mechanic. He enjoyed working with his hands and seeing the finished product of cars moving about after he repaired them. His other pastimes were fishing and playing dominoes. When he was unable to go fishing anymore, he converted to playing the handheld fishing game. The sportsman in him never let the art of fishing go. He believed in enjoyment to the fullest. That’s why, for him,there was nothing like a good game of dominoes with family and friends. His love for life and laughter will live on forever.

Those who cherish his memory on this side of time include his sons, Ricky Washington of Mexia, TX, Larry and Arthur Wilder (Bonita) of Fort Worth, TX, grandchildren, Sedric Thomas (Brooke), Steven Washington, Kashara Rhynes, Tamber Dupree, Dont’e Wilder, Alyssa Wilder, Arthur Wilder Jr.,Latrinda Wilder, ten great grandchildren, siblings, Ollie Peoples,Truly “Annie B” Williams, Mattie Williams, Pearl Hughes,and Ira Burns, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends

Mr. William Henry Burns Jr., age 91 passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023.