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Michael Burress Obituary

BURRESS, CPL. MICHEAL N. - age 23, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2010. Mike graduated Carter High School in 2005 and was recognized for reading the most recorded books in the history of the school. He served four years in the USMC with two tours in Iraq. Mike was currently attending Pellissippi State and works for Century Signs. He was preceded in death by father, Michael Ray Burress; grandparents, Harlan and Bessie Burress, Jesse Lowery and Betty Sue Mingie. He is survived by dad, Dennis Sowders; mom, Margaret Sowders; brothers, Ronald, Eric and Daniel; sisters, Samantha, Katie, and Lisa; grandmother, Audrey Lowery; sister-in-law, Autumn; girlfriend, Cessly Turner; many cousins, aunts, uncles and other loving family members. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel on Dec. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Burress

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Aunt Lissa

December 28, 2011

There will always only be one Mikey......I will always see that great smile, winking eyes, and loving heart. I know one day we will be with u again but for now there is so much sadness and our hearts ache. You r forever in our hearts! Love u so much

Cissy Sowders

December 28, 2011

N E V E R would I have ever, ever thought I would be carrying the most horrible grief, loss, pain, and saddness of a momma's broken heart in losing my/her child....I want you here with me, I dont want you to be a memory or a person in a memory book. I am not the one with the power as if I was I would never put this burden on any true mom. Today is your birthday, your 25th birthday, I love you deeply and miss you more.....mom

Karen Henry

December 26, 2011

Love you Mikey, as i set here and ponder over things i know that i was not around a lot and i missed out on the great man you turned into. I hear people talk about you,all the people that you loved and was there for and your beautiful smile and it saddens me that i missed out on so much of your life. But i love to hear the stories from people and all the good memories they have shared with me. And i know that you are missed very much by a lot of people to many to count. Love you Buddy, Our lose heavens gain. You truly are a angel now and then.

Teresa Darnbush

December 23, 2011

One year ago today I received the horrible news that you were gone. You've been on my mind so much lately, as have your entire sweet family. We will forever miss your beautiful smile, brilliant mind, and intelligent wit. The world is much more lonely without you in it. Love you, Micheal.

john lowery

December 20, 2011

there nothing i can do to ease this pain we all feel iam so afraid to think of you because im so tired of crying it doesnt do any good you are and always will be so dear to my heart," uncle john"

Brandon Jones

December 20, 2011

I will always remember Mike. I will always remember his kind heart, and his free spirit. Straight to the piont, but always concious of others feelings and needs. We had some great times together and i feel blessed to have known such a person.You truly were the best friend a guy could ever ask for, and I will always charish the things you taught me and the memories we made.I will always carry you in my heart brother..

Cynthia Wade

December 19, 2011

I know we did not see each other much but you are family and I love you. I remember coming to a Lowery Christmas one year and I got a box of Chocolates and I guess you did not think it was good enough for me because after it was over you offered to switch gifts with me. Althought I was happy with the candy I just thought it was so sweet how you wanted to make sure I had fun. I wished that I would have come to more of them and got to know you and the rest of the family better. I miss you. My Dad loves you so much and his pain is so deep I wished I had been around you all more so that I could share memories with him and help hom thru. Like your mom always said to me when I could not come. Your missing out on making a memory...

December 19, 2011

We Miss you Mike and think of you everyday...........

We love you
Jay, Angie, Dylan

Christopher Hoeppner

December 19, 2011

I love you and Ronnie like brothers, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't look at a picture of you and remember times I got to share with you. I still remember the conversations we had and hold a lot of advice you gave me close to my heart, you were a kind and honest man, and I'll always remember you and love you.

Karen Henry

December 19, 2011

It has been almost a yr. what can i say? Nothing that i can say can take away the pain this family has been going thru. I know i love this whole family very much and i think of them often and pray for them.

Margaret Sowders

December 17, 2011

Remembering you today and every day...mom

Katie Swisher

January 21, 2011

Mike was one of the only people I've met at PSCC who I enjoyed just listening to. He had the intellect of a philosopher and the demeanor of a saint. Hopefully his thoughts are even more free now along with past great minds. His greatness will be sorely missed. I'm sorry for yours and the world's loss of such perfect potential.

Jake Croft

January 3, 2011

You are all in my families prayers

Kirktenia Brown

December 30, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

December 29, 2010

To the family of Michael Burress,
As a parent I can't even imagine how heavy your heart is now. My heart aches with yours.
Marisa Durham, Knoxville

Jacqueline Ligdis

December 28, 2010

My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God bless with you beautiful memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Blackorby

December 28, 2010

Dear Sissy and Family,
You are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Mary B.

ronnie jones

December 28, 2010

i didnt know him or the family, but read this and wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time! and wanted to say i apreciate your son for going to fight for me as well as for the country. he is a true hero and very brave to do such a great deed. ronnie

December 28, 2010

Sissy, I am so sad to hear of your loss. Thomas told me yesterday. Please know you are in my prayers.

Sue Waggoner
Hagood, Tarpy & Cox

December 28, 2010

I am so sorry to hear about the family's loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Mikey but from what I have been told he was a wonderful young man. I appreciate the service and dedication he gave our country while serving in the military. You all will be in my thoughts.... -KC Keeton

Michelle Carter

December 28, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We are sorry for your loss. Nam Nix, Michelle & Jeffery Carter

Gloria Sowders-Conner

December 28, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your son. May GOD bring you peace beyond your understanding.

Rachel Dodson

December 28, 2010

Cissy, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers that the Lord will help you through this difficult time. He was and still is a very special Hero. -Rachel D-

Jan Bishop

December 28, 2010

Cissy, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jan Bishop

Rick, Lucinda & Justin Liles

December 28, 2010

Lucinda and I are so sorry for your loss. We are praying that God will give you comfort and peace during this devastating time.

Teresa and Randy Darnbush

December 28, 2010

Cissy and Dennis, Mikey knew he was loved so much by you and his brothers and sisters. He was a brave, unique, outstanding young man. His smile lit up the room and just made you smile in return. He will be sorely missed. We love you all.

Glenna Harrell

December 28, 2010

You and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Beth Watkins

December 28, 2010

From one military mom to another, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss, may god give you comfort. Thank you Michael for your time of service...go rest high on that mountain !!! God Bless

Jeffrey Jansen

December 27, 2010

Denny and Cissy, I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. You are in my prayers, may the Lord provide comfort to your family.

Kristy Caldwell

December 27, 2010

Bernice , Scott & Thomas Hill

December 27, 2010

Cissy, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are so sorry to hear about your son. I know you love him dearly. May God comfort you during this time.

Ed Jones

December 27, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the Burress family, I am truly sorry for your loss; Mike was a special person and good man. He will be missed greatly by me and anyone that knew him.

Norm Burns

December 27, 2010

My deepest condolence at your loss. I try and ride as many ceremonies as I can, but I am unable to make this one. As a Veteran of both the Marine Corps and the Navy, I feel as if I have lost a part of myself. In a way, I have. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and I am certain he was a great example of the best our country has to offer. He will be missed, and you, his family will be in my prayers.

December 27, 2010

I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Dawn Duthoy

December 27, 2010

sissy &dennie i am so sorry for you loss.your family is in our prayers.scott&makayla carroll

Chiquila Mattress

December 27, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. New travelers employee,

Paula Proffitt

December 27, 2010

Sissy, words can not begin to say how sorry I am sweetheart...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there's anything we can do for you.

Belinda Carrell

December 27, 2010

Cissy, I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers and may God bless and comfort you .
Belinda Carrell

December 27, 2010

Cissy - this is just heartbreaking for you and your family. I am so very sorry and have you all in my prayers! Kelley Gregg

Jennifer Evans

December 27, 2010

Want you to know I am praying for you! Jennifer Evans - Travelers.

December 27, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Bette Simons

Beth Graver

December 27, 2010

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

December 27, 2010

My prayers and thoughts are with you. Your friend Kay Everett

Glen and Macie Armstrong

December 27, 2010

Dear Friends, it doesn't seem enough to write a little about such a special young man. We are all so proud of him. I want to repeat what everybody else said and add how much we all loved Mike and we pray for the family. Love you Cissy, Dennis, Katie, Ronnie, Daniel, Samantha, Lisa, and other family. I know many hearts are broken and can only be comforted through prayer and peace from above.

Teresa Bumgarner

December 27, 2010

Sissy, from someone who just last week lost my father suddently and unexpectedly I offer you my prayers. Teresa Newman Bumgarner

December 27, 2010

Sissy, from someone who just last week lost my father suddently and unexpectedly I offer you my prayers. Teresa Newman Bumgarner

December 27, 2010

Cissy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Betty Hurley (Mohawk, TN)

Hollie Moore

December 27, 2010

Sissy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. How very proud we are of such a brave man you raised. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. My deepest sympathies.

December 27, 2010

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your son....please know you are in my thoughts and prayers - Diane Cole

December 27, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your friend Kay Everett

December 27, 2010

We love you Aunt Cissy and Uncle Dennis!! We will miss Mikey tremendously!! Our family is praying for you guys.
Steven,Stacy,Garrett,Grady,and Morgan

December 27, 2010

Cissy: My heart aches with yours and my thoughts go out to you and your family. You can be so proud of what he accomplished - we are ever grateful for his service to this country. He will be missed. Barbara Bell

December 27, 2010

CISSY AND DENNIS, As a parent, I can't imagine how your heart feels...I can only imagine...I have been praying for your peace and comfort during this time. My God surround you and your family with his loving arms. Andrea Johnson

Best Friends Always

Kristy Caldwell

December 27, 2010

How blessed are we to have known such a special person as Mike. He will be remembered always in our hearts as part of our family.
Ronnie and Kristy

December 27, 2010

Denny,Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Your extended family in Wilmington,OH.

Martha Ledford

December 27, 2010

Sissy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved Mikey and how proud you were of him. If I could take away the pain, I would. I am praying for God to give your family strength and let his gentle touch comfort your hearts.

Christopher Jones

December 27, 2010

Cissy, Denny, and family
JIll and I are very sorry for your loss. Mikey will be missed very much. We are praying for you every day.

Chris and Jill

December 27, 2010

Our thoughts & prayers are with your family.
John & Tiny Lindsey

Sommer Stewart

December 27, 2010

It was a pleasure to know Michael. He was a great person and will be missed deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

December 27, 2010

Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. John & Tiny Lindsey

Courtney Jones

December 26, 2010

Mike was someone who never ceased to make me smile. He was truly a blessing while he was on this earth. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Mike DeLozier

December 26, 2010

Denny,Crissy and family,
We are so sorry for your loss our heart and prayers are with you. we pray God keeps you in his care. Love Mike and Lisa DeLozier

Mike and Lisa Delozier

December 26, 2010

Denny and Cissy and family our hearts are with you and our prayers. May God comfort you and your family we are so sorry.

Aunt sharon

December 26, 2010

I am so thankful to have watched Mickey grow up to be the fine young man he was,he was always smiling and loved life fully. I was proud to call him my nephew, and will miss him terribly. My thoughts are never away from you Cissy and Dennis, I love you.And i know God will sustain you.

Pam Martin

December 26, 2010

Dear Dennis and Cissy,
I was saddened to hear about Michael. From what I have heard about him from K.J., Ronnie, Robert and Wilma, he was a remarkable young man. I pray that God will comfort you and your family.

Jon-Michael Dhaene

December 26, 2010

Mike had a huge heart and was like an older brother to me and I loved and looked up to him as one. I hope that your family finds comfort and peace.

Brian Rickerson

December 26, 2010

Denny- our thoughts our with you. My entire family has ben touched by your lose. If you need me just call.

Brian Rickerson

December 26, 2010

Denny,and family - We just want to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are truely saddened at your lose, and should you need any support feel free to contact us.

Sandra Foster

December 26, 2010

Cissy, I am sooo sorry to hear about Michael.. If you need anything let me know.. We love you all....
Sandra & Eula

Kimberly Byars

December 26, 2010

About the only way to sum up Mike is "one of a kind" I'm thankful I got to meet him when he was in the Marine Corps. He will truely be missed

Cheryl Bjorklund

December 26, 2010

Cissy and Dennis you are in my thoughts and prayers, my prayer is that God will wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and remember Cissy that you will see him again some day. I love you Lady Cheryl

Cheryl Bjorklund

December 26, 2010

Cissy and Dennis my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I pray God will wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and just remember you will see him again one day. Love you guys Cheryl

Charles Pratt Jr

December 25, 2010

You are in our prayers

December 25, 2010

My sincere condolences on the loss of Mike. My kids went to school with him @ Carter. It always breaks my heart to hear about a life cut so short. Only God has all the answers. I know there is nothing I can say to make you feel better, but know your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless! Stephanie Maples, Jessica, Justin, and Zachary

December 25, 2010

Dennis and Cissy, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember when Michael received Christ as his Savior. We are praying for you at this time. We know that someday we will see him again. God bless you is our prayer. Paul & Mona Cameron

Joe Weinrich

December 25, 2010

Mike you will be missed -Joseph Weinrich (Sgt/USMC/0321)

SUE THARP

December 25, 2010

Sissy, I pray that God will provide the strength that is needed at this time. You and your family are in my prayers. Michael was a very luck child to have such a thoughtful and loving mother.

Holly Henry

December 25, 2010

Cissy I am so sorry for your loss..... You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Pastor Steve

December 25, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring healing and comfort to your broken hearts.--

December 25, 2010

Margaret, Dennis and family:

It was my pleasure to assist you during this dificult time. Please rest assured that my thoughts and prayers reamin with you as you travel this dark valley.

Donnie Ownby
Berry Funeral Home

December 25, 2010

Sissy and Dennis, Mike made it through the Hell of War to be able to spend more time with you. That we are all thankful for. May God keep you wrapped in his love to help you make it through this time of deepest sorrow.
Mike seemed like one of our grandchildren. KJ had adopted the whole family years ago and so did we. We love you and feel your pain.

December 25, 2010

Sissy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Laura Carroll

David and Kristen Stout

December 25, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers to your family.

Mitchell Burress

December 25, 2010

A man who loved country and family, the world needs more of these heroes.
Mitchell and Janet Burress

Mitchell Burress

December 25, 2010

I never got a chance to thank you personally for your service to our country.

December 25, 2010

We love you very much and you were a Specail person that touched many lives.........We will miss you, Jay, Angie, Dylan

December 25, 2010

Your family is in our prayers. I am very sorry for your loss, Joann and Jerry McGinnis

sandy bowlen

December 25, 2010

Sissy, I am so very sorry. I know how proud and how much you love Mikey. You will be in my thoughts and prayers each day.

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