William S. Burns Jr. of Lumberton, Mississippi, departed this life into God’s presence on Tuesday April 30, 2024 at the age of 81. Billy was born on July 23, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana to William and Catherine Burns. He grew up in the Greater New Orleans area and after graduating from Redemptorist High School, he joined the United States Navy where he was stationed on the USS Saratoga. Following his discharge, he joined the New Orleans Fire Department where he dedicated his life to serving his community, attaining the rank of Captain before retirement. In 1988, he moved his family to Lumberton to enjoy country life. Billy was self-taught in many subjects from learning new languages to playing new instruments. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading, music, building computers, fitness and most of all, spending time with his family. He was known for the weekly crawfish boils he had with them. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, William S. Burns III and his in-laws, Edward and Dolores Lassus.
Left to forever cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Linda Burns; daughters, Sandie (Matthew) Enlund and Wendi Medlin; sons, Steven (Michelle) Burns and Thomas (Dana) Gauthreaux; grandchildren, Morgan (Zachary) Keller, Paige Burns, Shane Burns, Aaron (Madison) Enlund, Abigail Enlund and Shelby Gauthreaux; his great-granddaughter, Josephine Keller; his sister, Rosary (Thomas) Wild and a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Fintan Kilmurray serving as Celebrant. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery with a reception afterward in the Church Hall.
