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Eric Burris Obituary
Eric Anthony Burris was the son of the late James Burris and Bettye Burris. He was born April 23, 1962 in Knoxville Tennessee and was deceased by his father, James Burris; grandmothers Lena Boyd and George Ann Collins and grandfathers, Freddie Boyd and Tommy Collins.
Eric was an Epicopalian and attended both St. James and St. Luke's Episcopal Churches. He will be remembered for his contagious smile and his love for people. He never met a stranger. He attended Knoxville Public Schools and graduated from Carter High School in 1980. During his senior year at Carter he entered and won an Architectural Drafting Contest given by TVA, Knoxville, and was hired to work there. He also worked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation and designed several bridges and overpasses on I-75 and I-40 He subsequently worked for power plants in Greenville, South Carolina and Baxley, Georgia. He moved back to Knoxville and was hired by Rust Engineering Company as a draftsman. He then applied for, trained, and was hired by the Knoxville Fire Department. His class was the first class in 25 years to have black firefighters. This job was his dream job as he'd always wanted to be a fireman. During this time he earned an Associate Degree in Construction Engineering at State Technical Institute Knoxville, Tennessee. He worked at Carwoks Detailing Shop for several years as a detailer.
Survived by devoted mother, Bettye Burris, loyal and devoted companion, Angela Thomas; children, Briana Shipe and Thamar Smith; grandchildren, Samariyah Smith, Naviyon Shipe, and Nakiia Hawkins; special cousin-brother, Gegory Blair; friend - brother Marcus Bly; nephew, Codee Bly; friend-sister, Tonya Bly; aunt, Willie Merl Everette, Miami, Florida; uncle, Paul Burris, Augusta, Georgia and many cousins and friends throughout the country.
Visitation, 5:30-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Jarnigan's Chapel; prayer
service, 6:00 p.m.
Formal funeral service and burial will be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Church in memory of Mr. Burris.
The family gives special thanks and appreciations to Park West and Ft. Sanders Hospitals and to Hospice Nurses for the excellent care he received.
Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY
www.jarnigansmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Burris
Sponsored by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.
Gaye Williamson Huff
April 2, 2021
Mrs. Burris, I’m so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. Sending love, and praying for you and his friends and family.
Gaye Williamson Huff
April 2, 2021
Mrs. Burris, I’m so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. Sending love, and praying for you and his friends and family. ♥
Gaye Williamson Huff
April 2, 2021
Mrs. Burris, I’m so sorry to hear about Eric’s passing. Sending love, and praying for you and his friends and family. ♥
Sue Buckner
April 1, 2021
Bettye:
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your son, Eric. I have loved your sweet family for many years. Was also distressed about James' death. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you the peace you so deserve.
Sue Warwick Buckner
Jennie Thompson
March 31, 2021
Mrs. Burris, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Much love to you.
Jennie Thompson
Debra Robinson
March 30, 2021
Deepest Sympathy to The Burris Family
Missy Lyon
March 30, 2021
My sweet friend you were so nice to me at Pilot when you came in. When I found out you had passed my heart was broken. You will be terribly missed love you friend. Bre my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, I pray for comfort and healing in the days to come. Love and prayers
Marvin Kemp
March 30, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
March 30, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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Memorial Events
for Eric Burris
Mar
31
Visitation
5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Jarnigan & Son Mortuary2823 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914
Mar
31
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Jarnigan & Son Mortuary2823 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914
Funeral services provided by:
Jarnigan & Son Mortuary2823 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914
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