William Edward Burns was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 29, 1929 to Louise and Charley Burns. William succumbed on January 4, 2020 in San Diego, California. He had a rapid health decline the previous six months. Early December, he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. It’s a type of blood cancer that affects the bones.
Most people called him Bill, but his family called him Pete. Legend has it that he used to carry a pistol. So, he became known as “pistol packing Pete”. He was preceded in death by his four brothers, James, Roger, Clifford Sr., and Ray. His known living nieces and nephews are: Sonya, Wendy, Coco, Roger Jr., Sheila, Clifford Jr., Joel, Mike, Jerry, Deborah, Ray Jr., and Cynthia. He had three spouses: Betty, Patricia, and Carolyn, whom they had his only child, Brenda. Additionally, he has three grandchildren: Salvador, Monique, Dominic, and one great-grandchild, Jayda.
Although he was in physical pain towards the end of his life, he had a very strong will to live! He enjoyed his last Christmas and made it into the New Year with his daughter, grandson, and great-granddaughter.
He enjoyed watching football and golf, which was one of his passions. He would often be on the golf course during his free time. In his much later years, he would continuously have the golf channel on his big screen TV.
William did security work in San Diego for General Dynamics and later for a petrochemical company near Fort Worth, Texas after he retired from the military in 1969.
William lied about his age when he was just 17 to join the Marine Corps. Being a marine was what he felt was his greatest accomplishment and was proud to serve his country. He showed great leadership, that did not go unnoticed or rewarded, during his 20 plus years of service. He served in three wars and earned many military medals and honors. William eventually became a drill instructor at MCRD in San Diego. He was an expert marksman and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant.
As quoted by a commanding officer, “Your leadership, personal deportment, and professional judgement have been exemplary to the young impressionable Marines in your command.”
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