Billy Duane Burns, 87, of Batesville, Arkansas, went home to be with His Lord and Savior on Jan. 9, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
He was born Dec. 7, 1933, in Magness, Arkansas, to the late Jewell Morgan and Ona Burns.
Bill was an active and faithful member of Quail Valley Freewill Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the 101st Airborne Division (“Screaming Eagles”). He was a member of the LeClerk Fighting Falcons sharpshooting team. He was hard working and retired from Norandal USA, Inc. He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks and enjoyed fishing in his younger years. His favorite pastime was to sit on his front porch in his rocking chair enjoying a cup of coffee and watching the traffic go by.
Bill was a devout husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He loved his family and was the most honest, hard-working man you’d ever meet. His loving and quiet nature made him very welcoming and accommodating to anyone he met. He was always so proud of his family and their accomplishments and never missed an opportunity to tell each other how proud he was of them. As a caring Christian man, he was always far more concerned with the needs of others over his own. He was a giver, not a taker, and always seemed to see the good in other people regardless of their situations or standing. He will be missed but his memory will be cherished and his legacy will continue on through those who loved and cared for him.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gloria Jean Burns; daughter, Melissa Treadway (Gregory) of Benton, Arkansas; son, Dr. Ron Burns (Nancy) of Henderson, Tennessee; son, Jackie Burns of Shirley, Arkansas; grandsons, Nicholas Burns (Alexandria) of Henderson, Tennessee, Trevor Burns of Henderson, Tennessee, Seth Treadway of Benton, Arkansas, Alexander Treadway of Benton, Arkansas, and Zachary Koontz-Burns of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother Bob Burns (Madeline) of Batesville, Arkansas; and sister Jetrue Moss of Batesville, Arkansas; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Sam Burns.
The family would like to thank Woodlawn Nursing Home and the doctors and nurses at White River Medical Center for their loving care, concern, and lifesaving efforts.
There will be a visitation Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville.
A private graveside service will be held at Mac’s Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Arkansas Food Bank, 4301 W 65th Street, Little Rock, AR 72209, or a charity of your choice.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering and social distancing will be observed.
