William Paul Burris

Paul was born in Nashville, July 28, 1935, to the late Zinnie Paul Burris and Nina Cheek Burris. He graduated from Nashville Central High School and later joined the Army. During his three-year stint in the Army, he spent two years in Berlin as a Morse Code intercept operator.

After returning to Nashville, Paul married Sue Gail Tarkington in 1959 and they had three children, Teri, Steve and Ricky.

In 1962, following the legacy of his father and his grandfather, Paul began his long career in Nashville law enforcement. He served 37 years with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department retiring as lieutenant in 1999, he was a member of the original “Newman’s Raiders” motorcycle traffic squadron and eventually promoted to sergeant of his own squad.

Paul was preceded in death by sister, Barbara Soroka; brother, Zinnie Vernon Burris and wife, Sue Tarkington Burris. He is survived by wife of 34 years, Robbie Arlene Burris (also a retired MNPD lieutenant); their son, Kieth Moore; children; stepchildren, Kimberly (Nathan) Freeman, Darlene Moore and Denise (Butch Coffey) Raybourn; grandchildren, step grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and step great great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

As a member of Union Hill Baptist Church, Paul loved to sing in the choir and occasionally performing solos. He loved his horses and hunting with his friends and family. A true outdoorsman, he was always happy to host family for target shooting and teaching them about guns and gun safety. He especially enjoyed deer hunting with his son, Ricky.

A gathering of family & friends for William will be held Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. A gathering of family & friends will occur Monday, January 9, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. A celebration of life will occur Monday, January 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204. A graveside service will occur Monday, January 9, 2023 at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in William's memory may be made to Union Hill Baptist Church, 1301 Union Hill Road, Goodlettsville, Tennessee 37072.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com for the Burris family.