Obituary of Billy Ray Burnham

Billy Ray Burnham, born on May 21, 1942 in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, died on October 23, 2007 in Tampa, Florida, where he had resided for the past thirty five years. Bill worked for the Florida Department of Corrections for twenty five years and retired as a Lieutenant in 2004. He attended Keystone United Methodist Church, was a member in good standing of John P. Byrd Lodge in Pearl, Mississippi, Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, a Scottish Rite 32nd Degree Mason and member in good standing of the Egypt Temple Shrine. Bill was a proud, active member in the General Jubal A. Early Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans and had a profound honor for his heritage. Bill instilled in his children a love for their heritage, an understanding for the importance of family, the price of freedom and above all, the need for God in their lives. Those who knew Bill will remember him as the epitome of a Southern gentleman, a strong, loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had a tremendous dry sense of humor, a deep love for music and a remarkable knowledge of history. He is survived by his wife, Linda, three children Cheryl Renee Waldron, Damon Lamonte Burnham, Corley Burnham Hernandez, Son-in-Law David Emanuel Waldron, Jr., five grandchildren, Lauren Renee Haumesser, Amber Lynn Haumesser, David Emanuel Waldron III, Matthew Jacob Waldron and Amelia Grace Hernandez. He leaves behind three sisters, Jeannine Walters, Bonny Tigrett, Sylvia Burnham and numerous nieces and nephews. A thanksgiving for his life will begin at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 29, 2007 at Keystone United Methodist Church, 16301 Race Track Road, Odessa, Florida 33556. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Shriner Hospital or Parent's Morning Out, Keystone United Methodist Church. Buriel will be in Puckett, Mississippi. Bill was one of a kind and when God made him that was the plan. We will miss him dearly. hn glover death datepsychology and lung cancer