William Morrow Burney Sr.

William Morrow Burney Sr was welcomed into Heaven on August 30, 2017, while surrounded by his family. Bill Burney, known lovingly by his family and friends as “Pops” was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a devoted friend.

Born December 23, 1926 in Ennis, Tx to W.M Burney and Rush Moss Burney. Moving to Hearne, Tx at 18 months where he grew up and graduated from Hearne High School. He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science in Geology. While at the University of Texas he met the love of his life Jean Florence whom he married July 17, 1948 and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage.

Upon graduation he worked as a geologist for Humble Oil and Gas until October 1963, when he went independent as a geologist/geophysicists in Tyler. Bill was an active and supportive member of the First Christian Church and the Men’s Fellowship class where he served as President. He was a lifetime member of the East Texas Geological Society and well respected by those he knew in the oil and gas industry, mentoring to the younger generation within the field.

His greatest joys in life included family times at the farm in Hearne, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and most importantly treasured times with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid University of Texas Longhorn fan and enjoyed going to UT football games with his family.

Pops had a unique ability to successfully balance family, work, spiritual, and personal interests, so that all facets in his life were lived to the fullest. Ultimately family was always first priority for him and each family member felt his love and admiration. He will be remembered by all that knew him for his sense of humor, compassion, and genuine love for others.

Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife Jean, grandson Brent Burney, and daughter in law Kathy Burney. He is survived by his son Bill Burney and wife Mari, of Houston; daughters, Cyndy Burney Hough, of Tyler, and Carolyn Burney Hortenstine and husband Dale, of Houston; grandchildren, Brooke Zarr and husband Jeff, Mark Burney and wife Kristen, and Mike Burney, all of Houston, Blake Hough Tucker and husband Matt, of Tyler, Whitney Hough Ward and husband Michael, of Dallas, and Matt Hortenstine and Brad Hortenstine, of Houston; and great-grandchildren, Riley, Jake, Annie, Knox, Sellers, Cooper, Kollins, Reese, Mae, and Scottie.

Honorary pallbearers are Hansel Crank, Bill Ross, Clyde Davis, Merwyn Pickle, Charles Halstead, Dean Chapman, Jim Dowdy, Tom Sikes, David Decker, and Rusty Jackson.

We would like to thank The Hamptons, especially Jackie, Jerry, and the Hospice of East Texas for the love and care they showed our Pops. We will forever be grateful.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be Tuesday, September 5th at 11:00am at the First Christian Church with a reception to follow. Memorials in honor of Bill Burney may be made to the American Red Cross for the families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.