James Theodore Burris' Obituary
James Theodore “Ted” Burris passed away peacefully due to natural causes on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at the Sunrise of Hillcrest Assisted Living Center in Dallas, TX at the age of 90. Ted was born on September 15, 1926, in Marlow, OK to J.O. “Jim” and Mabel Lee (McCarley) Burris in Marlow, OK. He spent some of his childhood years on his grandparents’ farm west of Marlow and attended Burns Grade School along with his younger sister, Betty Kirkpatrick. Even though he was older, he would go into the other classroom of the two-room school to get help with his homework from Betty. They were very close and took trips together, especially later in life. Ted served in the Merchant Marines and the United States Army during WWII. After the war, he began employment with Halliburton in Duncan, OK. Later, he transferred to Dallas, TX and continued to work for Halliburton/Otis Engineering for 42 years until his retirement. He gave his children a strong work ethic as he rarely or never called in sick and would work extra hours without pay. He advanced to manager and V.P of Tool & Die Services supervising over 350 employees. Shortly after his return to Marlow, Ted married Josia “Josie” Province in 1949. Their marriage produced two children, Jim Burris and Judy (Burris) DeBurger. Ted and family lived in Marlow until his transfer to Dallas in 1960. Ted loved his hometown of Marlow and visited it often after he moved to Dallas. He especially enjoyed attending the 4th of July high school reunions. He would have been in the class of 1944 if he hadn’t joined the Merchant Marines. He later received his high school diploma from Marlow High School through the Oklahoma Veteran’s High School Diploma Program. He played many rounds of golf on the Marlow Golf Course with his brother Fred Burris, brother-in-law Jesse Kirkpatrick, his son Jim Burris and his grandsons Brandon and Clayton Burris. He is also a former member of the Marlow Church of Christ. While in Dallas, Ted and Josie divorced, later he married Patsy Harber. Ted and Patsy were married over 52 years and enjoyed many activities together, especially traveling. They were in the first tourist group allowed in Russia after the Cold War. They also visited China after it was open for tourists. Ted made multiple trips with his son Jim to play golf at St. Andrews and other top golf courses in Scotland. His greatest joy was having all the children and grandchildren in his home on Christmas Day! He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be missed and always loved by his wife, children, and grandchildren. Survivors include his beloved wife, Patsy Burris of Dallas, TX Sons: Jim Burris of Dallas, TX and Richard and wife Barbara Burris of Dallas, TX. Daughter: Judy (Burris) and Floyd DeBurger of Denton, TX. Brother: Fred Burris of Lawton, OK. 6 grandchildren: David and wife Amanda Overstreet of Centennial, CO, Barbara and husband Dave Kinast of Denton, TX, Clayton and wife Lindsay Burris of Dallas, TX, Christopher Burris of Dallas, TX, Adam and wife Lindsey Burris of Dallas, TX, and Bryan Burris of Dallas, TX. Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as 10 great-grandchildren. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Betty Jane Kirkpatrick, daughter-in-law, Vanessa Burris, grandson, Brandon Burris, brother-in-law, Jesse Kirkpatrick, sister-in-law, Barbara (Hoy) Burris. Graveside services and burial will be under the direction of Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Dallas on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions to the church of your choice in Marlow are suggested.
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