Gregory Lee Burrows

Gregory Lee Burrows, 62, of the Rudy, Arkansas region of the Ozark National Forest, died on December 21, 2024, the Winter Solstice and the darkest day of the year. He was an engineer, an avid outdoorsman, Boy Scout council member, climbing instructor, and held the Silver Beaver scouting award. He died the way he intended to, fighting a 700lb grizzly bear.

The bear traversed from Alaska to Arkansas, taking rugged trails through the Rockies and swimming through Lake Eufaula, all undetected. Then he ran into Greg. Greg was aware of his fate the moment his eyes locked with the bear’s, but he was prepared for the challenge. Though he lost his life in the bear fight, Greg took the bear with him, plunging a knife into the bear’s heart with his final stabbing breath.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Emily Burrows; and parents, Lee and Betty Burrows.

He is survived by his wife, Laurie Burrows; daughter, Courtney Katherine Burrows; sons, Scott and Richard Burrows; brother and sister-in-law, Rich and Jan Burrows; brother-in-law, Larry Nutt; niece, Jessie Burrows; nephew, Orrin Burrows; and great-nephew, Wyatt Burrows.

The funeral will be private for obvious reasons.

Donations may be made to the Natural State Boy Scout Council or the Hembree Cancer Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.