Deacon Xavier Burke Sr.

October 19, 1951 in Birmingham, Alabama marked the birth of a child who would grow into a Christian man who would influence all those he came into contact with.Xavier Burke Sr. was the son of the late Jessie Burke and Doris Warren. He was educated in the public schools of Birmingham and was a graduate of Western Olin High School. Following his graduation, he attended Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Abyssian Baptist Church in Birmingham.In 1969 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his three year tour of duty until his honorable discharge in 1971. He was a resident of Bryan, Texas and was a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.Bro. Burke was a hard working man. He began his career with the United States Postal Service and continued to service with much dedication retiring after 30 years of service. His dedicated service to the Post Office earned him the title of Post Master. He served several communities in this prestigious office.On December 2, 1999 he united in marriage to Ms. Rhonda Haley by Pastor W. L. Randall, Jr. He was a loyal and dedicated member of Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church in Hitchcock where he was a Servant. He served as Deacon, member of the Finance Committee, member of the Brotherhood, teacher of a New Members Class and the joy of his service, member and past president of the Mighty Men Chorus. His voice could be heard ringing through the walls of the church as he sang his favorite song, ?I?ve got to clean up what I?ve messed up? and at Christmastime, ?I fixed it up with Jesus This Holiday.?Bro. Burke was known for his style, neatness and class of his personal dress. He was always "GQ" and was known worldwide through XbsHaberDashery on FaceBook.On Saturday, February 21, 2015, God called His servant from labor to reward. He is preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Jessie and Mary Burke; his mother and step-father, Doris Warren Pattillo and Charlie Pattillo, Sr.; siblings, Daisy Davis, Paulette Banks, Charlie Pattillo Jr. and LaVince Pattillo Sr.; and his father?s in law, Rufus Gilmore and Alvin Haley Sr.Left to celebrate his legacy of Christian values and family devotion are his devoted wife of 15 years, Rhonda H. Burke; his children, Yolanda Burke, Xavier Burke, Jr. and companion, Chonda Cannon and LaTonya Dugan and husband, Damon; his sisters, Charlesetta Pattillo Ziegler, LaVern Pattillo, Romelia Pattillo and Bobbie Cowan; a brother, Kelvin Pattillo; his grandchildren, DeQualian Evans, Aaron Burke, Sterling Whitley III, Rakea Harris, Xavier Burke III, DaMiyon Dugan, Alandra Bootye, Cortlyn Burke and Damia Dugan; great-granddaughter, Jaslin Evans; mother-in-law, Marilyn Smith; brother-in-law, Alvin Haley Jr.; the mother of Yolanda and Xavier Jr., Janice Burke and The Gilmore Family; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, co-workers, friends and his Greater St. Matthews Church Family.?absent from the body, present with the Lord.?