Isom Bruce Burks, age 87, of Columbus, MS and formerly of Pickensville, AL passed away September 16, 2020 at Trinity Health Care in Columbus, MS. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Rev. Luke Lawson officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the graveside.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Edwina Hydrick Burks; parents, Isom Van Buren Burks, Jr. and Avie Lee Flippo Burks; the mother of his children, Barbara Sayer; brother, Earl Buren Burks, Sr. and sisters. Ruby Brawner, Opal Ashton and Jean Ann Epperson. Survivors include his sons, Steven Van Burks (Julie) of England and Kevin John Burks of England; his daughter, Karon Lee Burks of England; Edwina's daughters, Linda Doshi (Bipin) of Indiana, Dianne Stone of Alabama and Jana McCool (Frank) of Alabama; sisters, Clara May Howard of Virginia and Betty Lynn Lowen of Virginia; grandchildren, David Burks (Laura), Michelle Burks Dorman (Luke), Hannah Burks, Robert Doshi (Sandra), Marcus Doshi, Billy Laessig, Eric Laessig and Angela McCool and great-grandchildren, Daisy Dorman, Henry Dorman, Frank Burks, Edith Burks, Nathan Doshi, Emma Doshi, Sydney Doshi, Cole Doshi, Luvenia Doshi, Amber McCool, Autumn McCool and Erin McCool. Mr. Burks was born November 6, 1932 in Quincy, Mississippi in Monroe County, the fifth of seven children. He attended S. D. Lee High School in Columbus, Mississippi where he was a member of the marching band for 3 years, playing the trumpet. He attended the Golden Triangle Vo Tech school for 2 years and Brewer State Junior College in Fayette, Alabama. He also attended the University of Alabama for vocational education to teach Adult Beginning Typing and he taught one class of Adult Beginners Typing at the Trade School in Carrollton, Alabama. Bruce entered the Air Force in 1953. He served 10 years in the Air Police and Provost Marshal Office. In Amarillo, Texas he was an Air Force Technical Instructor in Administrative Specialist School for 2 ½ years. In 1955 he was stationed in England, married, and he and Barbara had 3 children. They divorced in 1960. He served 4 years in Alabama Army National Guard in the MP field and 10 years in the Active Guard Reserve Program as Unit Training NCO. He retired from the military in 1989. In 1972, he married Edwina and they enjoyed 30 years together. They especially enjoyed boating, fishing and travel. They were both big fans of the University of Alabama football team and he was also a fan of Mississippi State football (as long as they weren't playing Alabama). He was a devoted family man and loved getting his grandchildren involved in the outdoors. He enjoyed watching wildlife; he could call the owls and get an answer. He taught himself to play several instruments including the guitar, banjo, mandolin and harmonica and enjoyed getting together with other musician friends. He maintained a close relationship with his siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins, and especially enjoyed the large family gatherings. His final years were at Trinity Personal Care and Healthcare . He was considered a character, sometimes cantankerous, but always had a big heart. He will be missed by many. Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Farmer, Dr. Dale Robbins, 4 "angels" of CVS Pharmacy in Aliceville, Cynthia, Gwen, Lori, and Mary, who took special care and checked up on him regularly when he lived alone in Pickensville, AL, members and friends of Det 1, 1166th Military Police Company of the Alabama National Guard, Leroy Holladay, Kellis Higginbotham and employees of Trinity Personal Care and Healthcare and Lauren Holliman. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Antioch Church Cemetery Fund, 3951 County Road 45, Reform, AL 3548, to Trinity Healthcare, 230 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702 or to a charity of the donor's choice.