Tommy Ray Burl

Funeral Services celebrating his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 US Highway 277 S. Abilene, Texas 79606 with his pastor Kevin Kennedy officiating. Burial in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery will take place privately and later.

Tommy was born on September 15, 1950 in Hamlin, Texas to the late Luther and Jessie Mae (Franklin) Burl. He grew up in Hamlin and Abilene where he attended Woodson School. Tommy served in the Unites States Marines Corp from 1968-1970, where he served in Vietnam. Life took Tommy on a journey and eventually he became a Christian. He was a part of Kairos Prison Ministry briefly. He was a former member of University Baptist Church and Radiant Life Church where he loved serving as a greeter. He was currently a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Tommy will be remembered for his quiet nature he enjoyed solitude. He was a student of the Bible, memorized many scriptures, and could explain them. He was devoted to his family and friends serving as a caregiver to his late sister. Once he met Sharon, he quickly became a part of her family as well. He also loved to fish.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tommy Willie Burrell; sisters, Rosie Matthews, Hattie Daughtery, and Pearl Williams; stepson, Thomas Nile Giddens; grandson, Craig A. Pollard.

He is survived by his sister, Stella Thompson; niece, Regina Logan; special friend, Sharon Giddens and her children, Jerry Giddens, Leah and Harold Sumrall and Therese and Cliff Pollard; grandchildren, Chad, Patrick, Jason, Destiney, and Jessica; several great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.elliott-hamil.com for the Burl family.