Billy passed away on Tuesday, June 10th, at his home in Benton, Louisiana. He was born on August 3, 1950, in Lubbock, Texas, to Vela and William T. Burks, Sr.
Billy spent his early childhood on various Air Force bases around the world before settling in Haughton, Louisiana. He was a proud Haughton Buccaneer and graduated from Haughton High School in 1968.
After high school, Billy joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served his country as an Infantry Assaultman. He served with honor during the Vietnam War and was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor for extraordinary bravery in saving the lives of his platoon during combat. A highly decorated veteran, Billy was honorably discharged from the USMC after being injured in Vietnam.
Billy was married to the love of his life, Penny. Together they shared three beautiful children: Kimberley, Bryon, and Amanda. Over the years, Billy lived life to the fullest, experiencing both joy and hardship. He had a deep love for the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He competed in—and won—several tournaments ranging from fishing to target bow shooting. Billy cherished sharing his passion for the outdoors with his children and grandchildren and was happiest on the lake with his wife, children, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
Billy was a devoted member of the Airline Drive Church of Christ, where he and Penny attended together for many years. He especially enjoyed attending the men’s prayer breakfasts.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, William Sr. and Vela Burks; his father- and mother-in-law, Harry and Nell Nichols; his uncle and aunt, T.G. and Eunice Rhodes; and his cherished dogs, Spud and Cookie.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Penny Nichols Burks; his children, Amanda Charchio (Joel Charchio), Bryon Burks (Brooke Burks), and Kimberley Harrington (Roger Harrington); his beloved grandchildren, Stetson Charchio, Mason Burks, Paige Burks, Ethan Harrington, and Alexander Harrington; his loving sister, Lynva Colby (David Colby). Billy was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Serving as pallbearers will be Joel Charchio, Ronnie Welch, Greg Patterson, Rusty Williford, Glenn Tibbs, John Bradshaw, Mark Charchio, Roger Harrington, and Alex Harrington. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Kuba and Mike Walker.
Funeral services for Billy Burks, age 74, of Benton, Louisiana, will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, 610 US HWY 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037, with burial immediately following.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will take place Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with a special viewing for out-of-town guests from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
