Benjamin Burks Jr.

Benjamin Burks Jr., 87, passed away on April 3, 2025, in Loudoun County, Virginia. Mr. Burks was born in Morgan City, Mississippi on September 17, 1937, to Benjamin and Annie Lee Burks. Mr. Burks received a master's degree from Georgetown University and an Executive Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Mr. Burks retired from the United States Army in 1975 and held senior positions at the Departments of Energy, Commerce, and Transportation. Burks was the founder and Director General of the World Alliance of Mayors in Washington, DC, where he fostered partnerships and brokered international business deals. Benjamin's unwavering faith was central to his life. He was a devoted member of Heritage Fellowship Church in Reston, Virginia. His legacy of integrity, courage, and service will live forever in the lives of those he touched. Married 46 years, Mr. Burks is survived by his loving wife, Girtha; daughters, Veronica Burks, Terry Burks, Shelita Saint-Louis (Jean Philippe) Erline Dunston; sons Benjamin III and Edward Hill III; grandchildren, Skylar Burks, Zion Saint-Louis, Zoelle Saint-Louis, Jasmin Voellmar (Kai); sister-in-law, Doris Rudolph; and a host of extended family and lifelong friends. Benjamin Burks Jr. will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.