William Winthrop Burks Jr.
September 9, 1952 ~ September 12, 2025
William Winthrop Burks Jr. Passed away peacefully at 2:15 am on September 12th, 2025. He went to be with his lord Yeshua Jesus Christ at the age of 73.
Born on September 9th, 1952, predeceased by his mother, Mamie Frances Beard, Father, William Winthrop Burks, Sr., sisters, Jacquelyn Copeland and Judith Burks.
Lovingly remembered by his daughter Jenna Burks (Atlanta, GA) sons, Elijah (Daniyah) Burks (Atlanta, GA) Gabriel Burks (Atlanta, GA), former wife and close friend, Kara (Tammy Arnold) Burks (Atlanta, GA), grandson, Nathaniel Burks (Atlanta, GA), brother-in-law, Harvey (Jacquelyn) Copeland (Louisville, KY), nephew, Michael (Inelda) Hayes Sr. (Louisville, KY), Troy (Kim) Copeland (Louisville, KY), niece, Jackie (John) Copeland (Louisville, KY), great nephews and great-nieces, Michael (Tia) Hayes Sr. (Louisville, KY), Adrian Vertrees (Louisville, KY),Damanif Woodson (Louisville, KY) Micha'l Hayes (Louisville, KY), Cameron (Cierra) Copeland (Louisville, KY), Amaya Copeland (Louisville, KY), Na'jaie, Salea, and Reggian Copeland (Louisville, KY), Jasmine and Janay Locke (Louisville, KY), great-great nieces, Mia, Aaliyah and Elijah Hayes (Louisville, KY), Xoie Copeland (Louisville, KY), lifelong friends Herb (Sharon) Dallum (Houston, TX) and Nathaniel "Tweet" (Valerie) Coleman (Louisville, KY), as well as a host of family, friends, and those that he held close to his heart.
His Memory will be cherished by the countless number of students that he taught and mentored during his 30+ year career as a P.E. teacher for the Dekalb County School District and the Houston Independent School District.
If you would like to send flowers/plants, send to: Southern Cremations and Funerals, c/o William Burks, 1861 Dallas Highway, Marietta, GA 30064
If you would like to offer a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:The Children's Literacy Charities, Books for Africa, and Everybody Wins Atlanta.https://www.booksforafrica.org/https://everybodywinsatlanta.org/
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Billy and I first met in 7th grade at Manly Jr high. We were both active in the drama club.After High School ( Male High) we lost contact for a while, but reconnected in 2018 and stayed in contact until his passing. I will truly miss my Dear Friend.Sending Heart Prayers and Condolences to his Family 🙏🏽❤️❤️
Judith Tribble Darden
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Burks. He was a wonderful mentor to my children at Brockett Elementary School. He went a love and beyond to protect his students and be there for his family and friends. I was so thankful to have him as my kids PE teacher, and friend. When Will and Kara married, Briana was their flower girl. That was so special. Fly high with the angels Will. We will take it from here.
In loving memory of William Burks Jr. May this tree stand as a living tribute to a life well-lived.
Sending our condolences to the Burke family. Mr. Burks was a wonderful co-worker and my children loved him as their PE teacher.
Love the Binnom and Murray family.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolences in the passing of your love one. William “Billy” and I were Male High School (Class of 1970) classmates. We had our home room and several classes together. He was a pleasant and well mannered young man. I remember him well and was saddened by the news. He is the third of our classmates to pass in the last 2-3 weeks. May God comfort you and your family in the days and weeks to come. Wishing you all Peace, Joy, Hope and most of all Love! Ms. Louis Jene Carter
Burks was a co-worker of mine and my daughter’s PE teacher through elementary school. We loved Mr. Burks! Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
The Caldwell’s
. My deepest condolences to the Burks Family. Keep your memories close and know that other do care. 💙🙏💕
Praying God’s peace, love and strength for the Burks family. Me and Billy go all the way back to Male High School. Haven’t seen him since our 40th Class Reunion, but we stayed well connected on FB. Jackie and Judy were also good friends of mine. All around very good people and their all missed. Continued prayers for Billy’s family and friends 🧡 The Bunton’s
I met William (Billy) Burks while living in the California neighborhood. We lived on the same street different block. He would pass my house going to Dutch Maid for ice cream or milk. We would talk for often. We attended Manly Jr High School. We remained friends until the Annual Thanksgiving Day Football game. We reconnected recently on social media. My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. Rest easy my friend. Eula Russell Somerville