Bill was born March 13,1933 in Nashville, Tennessee to Martha and John Frank Burton. He grew up playing guitar which became a lifelong passion for him.
After graduating from The University of Georgia Atlanta Division, Bill served as a lieutenant in the Army. Upon returning to civilian life, he followed various pursuits in the hardware business, culminating in the purchase of Decorative Hardware, Ltd., which he operated until his retirement.
A true musician, he authored a book of advanced chords for the guitar, wrote several songs and played a washtub bass in gatherings on his various houseboats — boating on Lake Lanier being another of his longtime passions.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved Joan to whom he was married 61 years. A dedicated family man, Bill was a proud father to Lisa Diane and her husband George Marinos of Germantown, Tennessee, William Sewell, Jr. and his wife Inger Van Hoy of Atlanta, Georgia, and Richard Grant of Athens, Georgia who preceded him in death earlier this year. He was a lovingly devoted grandfather to Steven George and William Christopher Marinos.
A private service will be held at Oakland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
