Obituary For Mr. William F. Burns Jr.

Burns, Mr. William F., Jr., a resident of Lanett, AL, died Saturday, January 16, 2021, at his residence.

Graveside Services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (CST) on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Handy Memorial Cemetery, LaFayette, AL with Rev. Terry L. Magby, Sr., Pastor of New Mt. Sellers Baptist Church in LaFayette, AL officiating. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. (EST) from Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

William Freeman Burns, Jr., the son of William F. Burns, Sr., and Susie Williams Burns, was born on July 26, 1943, in Greensboro, Alabama. He grew up in Valley, Alabama, and attended Rehobeth High School, where his father was principal and his mother was an English teacher. He was a bright student and was active in sports, especially football and basketball. He was baptized into the congregation of Haven United Methodist Church in Alexander City, Alabama, and was also a faithful attendee at Hall Memorial CME Church in Valley, where he participated in the choir and in the Christian Youth Fellowship. Later in life he joined New Mt. Sellers Baptist Church in LaFayette, Alabama.

After graduating from Rehobeth High School in 1960, William attended Tuskegee University and majored in history. He completed his bachelor’s degree in history at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While at Stillman, he was active in campus affairs and became a proud and loyal member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1964.

He also served his country for four years in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged as a Vietnam-era veteran.

After his military service ended, William lived and worked in San Diego, California, holding management positions at Thrifty Drug Company and Allstate Insurance Company. After some time in San Diego, William returned to the Valley area, where he was employed as a history teacher at Valley High School. He was a popular teacher who was dedicated to helping his students reach their highest potential. He was also employed for a number of years at West Point Pepperell, Inc., retiring in 2005.

William loved his family deeply and cherished his friends. He was a kind, caring, outgoing person with a charismatic personality. People were drawn to him because of his unfailing affability, warmth, and energy, and he was able to maintain friendships and bonds over many decades—from high school, college, military service, work, and other facets of his life.

He was an avid reader and a great conversationalist, able to discuss almost any topic with confidence and intelligence, including history, politics, education, music, and sports. He could relate to people from different backgrounds, cultures, and races and find common ground with them all. He tried to see the good in everyone, a quality he inherited from his mother. And he was fond of quoting adages, aphorisms, and other brief statements of wisdom and common sense, a trait passed on by his father. William loved life and lived it joyfully and richly, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, W. F. Burns, Sr., and Susie Williams Burns, and his brother, Roland Burns. William F. Burns, Jr., departed this life on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Whitlow Burns of Lanett, AL; his daughter, Busara Burns Pitts of St. Petersburg, FL; his two sons, Bakari Burns and Bitar Burns, both of Orlando, FL; four stepchildren, Kenneth Whitlow, Sr., Nicholas Whitlow, Orenthal Whitlow, and Shawanda Whitlow; his sister, Loretta Burns of Montgomery, AL; five grandchildren, Jelani Pitts, Neema Pitts, Addison Burns, Adira Burns, and Qasim Burns; a special niece, Shuntele Burns of Montgomery, AL; special friends, Clifford Burems of Los Angeles, CA, and Billy Sanders of Charlotte, NC; and many other relatives and friends.

Services

Guest Book

Although he wasn't my biological father, I know him as Dad, and my son knows him lovingly as "grandaddy". The love he shared with me and his grandson existed as one, and separately; always affirming me as a woman and mother sharing how proud of me he was in some of my hardest moments, excitedly keeping up with the ups and downs of his grandson growing each day. When hearing that "Hey Baby, how are you and that little ol boy doing down there" (in his southern hospitality voice), I knew nothing but affirmations of love, laughter and wisdom were to follow. Dad, I love you, and thank you for loving me as your own, for being a vital part of your grandson's life, and pouring into me when you didn't have to (all things you knew I was thankful for). Love, Natalie DuPoux & Qasim Burns

- Natalie DuPoux

Extending Condolences and Heart felt Sympathy to my Friend and Classmate, May He Rest in Eternal Peace.

- Betty Lyons

There are no words to completely convey our feelings at this time for the loss of a very deer friend and wonderful man. He will be greatly missed for all the many great conversations and words of wisdom he shared with Gaston and myself. Please know that he may be gone in body but will always be with each of you in spirit. Paulette & Gaston

- Paulette Morse

Will be sending prayers,our grandmothers were sisters Lizzie Johnson and Lila Burns rest William and family hold on to your memories may God Bless. Elizabeth Johnson Thomas

- Elizabeth

Although we did not personally know Mr.Burns we know his son Bitar. We can see the quality of the person he was in life by the upbringing of his son. I know he will be greatly missed and We pray that the Lord cover his family with the cloak of knowledge and strength to overcome this grief. Lugo-Serrano Family

- Eileen Serrano