Willie was born on July 5, 1937, in Gloster, Mississippi to Reverend Jessie and Lena Burns and completed high school at Amite County Training School. Willie attended one year of college at Alcorn State University and then moved to Arkansas to complete his Bachelor’s degree and began his professional career as a vocational agriculture teacher in several southern Arkansas communities. While teaching school in Fordyce, he met and married the love of his life. In the summer of 1968, he began studies at Colorado State University and eventually obtained a Master’s degree in Agriculture. After teaching school for fourteen years, he began working for the United States Department of Agriculture. He served in numerous offices across the state of Arkansas holding the title of loan officer and Assistant Director for Rural development. His love for agriculture extended beyond the classroom and work. Willie loved fishing and was an avid hunter. He could be found in the woods during hunting season, especially squirrel and deer season. He loved being outdoors and enjoying nature.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen L. Burns; daughter Raja L. Burns of Little Rock, Arkansas; grandson Omari Hervey of Little Rock AR; son Paul O. Burns of Sarasota, Florida; three sisters, Mary Porter of Centerville, Mississippi; Mable Moore of St. Louis, Missouri; and Rosie Parker of Madisonville, Louisiana. He also leaves behind two sons Willie Burns and Daryl Burns of New Orleans from a previous marriage. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory a host of loving family members and caregivers.
A visitation for Willie will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12Th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. A funeral service will occur Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5800 W 12Th St, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. A committal service will occur Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 12:15 PM to 12:30 PM at Roselawn Memorial Park, Asher & Woodrow, Little Rock, AR 72204.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the Burns family.
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