William 'Billy' Burris

William Billy Burris, 73, of Salem, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011. He was born in Hartley, Delaware, the son of the late Woodrow Wilson Burris and Blanche Melvin Burris and had been an area resident since 1954. He worked in the construction industry beginning as a plasterer, estimator and finally as a sales representative, during a career that spanned more than 50 years. He enjoyed golf, working in the yard and doing puzzles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Marie Burns. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jo Brightwell Tyler Burris; children, Regina Jo Hodge and her husband Calvin of Dublin; Dee Chanault and her husband Dale of South Carolina; Ronnie Lee Burris of New York; William Kevin Burris and his wife Patty Sturgill Burris of Gallatin, TN; Billy Todd Burris and his wife Dottie Linkous Burris of Salem; Mary Virginia Jennie Tyler Garret and her husband Ernie of Salem; Elizabeth Ann Tyler Wolfe and her husband Cecil of Blue Ridge; Norman Mike Tyler, Jr. and his wife Diane Light Tyler of Roanoke; Katie Lynn Tyler Meyer and her husband Mark of Salem; grandchildren, Rhonda, Diana, Melissa, Jon-Ryan, Sarah Grace, Rachael Elizabeth, Laci Nichole, Marley Elizabeth, Garrison Michael, Sarah Faith, Jeremiah Owen, Tiffani Nichole, Michaelia Lynn, Hannah Nichole, Tyler Alexander, Robin and Kayla, as well as great-grandchildren, Conner, Olivia, Joel, Brenton, Cabel, Chloe and one on the way. Billy was a faithful friend of Bill Wilson for 29 years. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Pastor Ed Woodard, for the visits, prayers and support given to them and Billy. The family would also like to thank Gentle Shepherd Hospice, Mike St.Clair, Debra and Jennie Garrett for their loving care. Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Monday, March 21, 2011 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. Pastor Ed Woodard will officiate. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 PM Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roanoke Rebos, Club PO Box 4084, Roanoke, VA 24015, the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, 2138 McVitty Rd. SW Roanoke, VA 24018 or to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, VA 24019 An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com. Arrangements are by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, 540-389-5441.