Milford Deal "Mickey" Burriss

I seize this opportunity to make a final comment (considering this online guest book will go...off-line). There is 'not a day' that goes by that I don't think of Mickey, and miss Mickey, and feel his presence. There are 'so many' things that I see, each day, and hear... that REMIND me of this ...kind, gentle soul. I don't pretend that Mickey was a SAINT... but based on Moses, David, Joseph, and many other biblical characters... Mickey is in the 'company of SAINTS.' Mickey, along with his BELOVED...Joyce...giving them 'all' instructions on what to do; how to do it; and why to do it. All for the GLORY of God.....cjlb...8/16/2017

I would be remiss if I didn't share a story about Mickey, of some 30 years ago, while his family, and ours, enjoyed a week at the beach together. Mickey and I were sitting on the deck, overlooking the ICWW, just shooting the bull. I asked him if "he could do anything unusual...what would it be?" He said he'd have to think about it. (probably not fully understanding where I was going with such a question). I said, "well while you're thinking... I'll tell you what I wish that I could do...I wish that I could "fly like a bird." We laughed, and he said..."well, I wish that I could sing." With that... I started laughing...."Sing? What the heck for?" He responded..."well if I could sing really could... maybe the words that I sang would impact the life of those who where listening, such that they would know God better." W-O-W!!! My point...even 30 years ago...Mickey was thinking how he could "have a positive impact the life" of someone else...and as for me...well, all I was thinking about is "me flying like a bird." I was thinking about "me," and my good friend was "thinking about others (you and me). God Bless you Mickey... I know God has you leading the Angels in melodic praise of the Lord. I reminded Mickey of that story, just a few weeks ago....his face "lit-up," and he just looked over at me... and gave me that "O'Mickey smile" smile...you know...the one he's so well known for.

I want to share with all who read this Guest Book a short story of this Kind Man. It started 58 years ago, We were all very young, but with excitement and adventure in our hearts. We all joined the U.S.Navy and met each other in the Naval Air Squadron VA-15 in Jacksonville Fl. Soon after arriving at Cecil Field Fl.we were assigned to board the Navy's newest and largest Aircraft Carrier, the USS Forrestal. Most of us spent more than a year on that carrier, We made very close friends, We lived together as brothers, shared compartments and sleeping quarters, we ate together, we shared each others stories of home and friends, we went on Liberty together. We developed a bond that would never be broken. Years later, by the wonders of email and Google our
shipmate Rudy Fernandez manages to contact Mickey, a few years later Rudy finds me, we then start looking for our other shipmates. We were able to find, Rouven Fontenot, B.D.(Smitty) Smith, David Forrest, Charles Travis Jeff Tingle, and Wayne Furrie. We also found that we had lost a few of our other members. There we were, Shipmates for life. 57 years later, I had the privilege of organizing a VA-15 reunion. So, I started setting it up . We had or 57th Reunion at Panama City Beach in October of 2015. We were very lucky and 4 out of our Squadron managed to meet. Mickey and Joyce, Rouven Fontenot, Rudy Fernandez and My wife Linda and I. What a thrill and a great pleasure it was to see each other after so much time. We have Memories that we will take to our graves. We were all incredibly happy to have met again and shared again our life's stories with each other. We may again have another reunion, but it will not be the same without Mickey and Joyce. Mickey was blessed with a wonderful and loving wife who gave him two wonderful sons. What more can a man ask of God, Bless You Mickey, Your Shipmates will miss you.

Tommy and Hank,
I was very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a fine man. My father recently passed in March, and I know he thought a lot of him. I remember seeing your dad at the Pizza Palace, and telling us how he got rid of his Harley. Very personable individual who raised two fine sons who I was glad to know and always happy to give a ride home after football practice. Hope you and your family find peace during this time and take care.

I met Mickey at a writers' group in Columbia in about 2005 or 2006. We quickly became friends and I've always been grateful for his friendship. I was fortunate to read a few of his manuscripts. He was a very talented writer; it's a shame his books weren't published. He had a unique voice and style to his storytelling. But more than that, he was a great friend to me, especially the time I spent in Columbia. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but am glad I'll see him again someday. Prayers for the family.

So very hard to loose my seatmate in the legislature. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sad to hear of Mickey's passing.
From a member VA 15 back in 1957
Charles S. Travis

Sad to hear of Mickey's passing. We were U.S. Navy shipmates back in the late 50's. What I remember most about Mickey was his laughter. Everything was funny and it was all about things that were happening to him. He had a great sense of humor. Fate would have it we would see each other again 57 years later at our first VA-15 reunion. Heard that same laughter again. Only thing different was that once perfect flattop crew cut was gone. There even was a long and funny story about that. Mickey, I feel certain your Maker received you with open arms. You lived the kind of Christian Life that earned you that Passage. We will meet again my fellow shipmate and friend.

I wish we could have gotten together. Later on for sure.

Sue and James Browder.You will be missed by many!

What a wonderful man Mickey was. It was impossible to avoid a smile when he walked into the room because his was so contagious. He loved our Citadel stories of suffering as if he knew how ridiculous it all was. He was always welcoming to Tommy and Hank's teammates and I always appreciated he and Joyce's connected after every game. We lost a good one for this earth for sure. I was blessed to know him.

My heart breaks for all of you. Mickey was a wonderful man. He had a great heart and loved his family and friends. May God bless each of you.

His eyes were so bright with a contagious smile, I remember while Judge Burriss was leaving the detention center and I thought someone was approaching him to try and harm him I ran to his rescue and there's that smile saying no no David he just wants to talk and at that time a bond was made I will definitely miss him Rest easy in our Masters arms GOD bless the family.

The Basham's from southwest Virginia are very saddened to hear of Mickey's passing. For me personally, Mickey was one of the reasons that I find South Carolina folks so fascinating; just a very, very special person to everyone who met him.
Mickey, I encourage you to find your old buddy Dave Basham and enjoy a few laughs up there.

Hank - praying for y'all.

We pray God's grace, comfort,peace, and healing be upon you at this time of sadness.

We are gonna miss you so much Mickey. Our visit with you a few weeks ago was so nice. That day you were having such a good day. Abbi and Amanda really enjoyed our talk that day too. Also Abbi will always remember the tree story. We will miss you during the holidays, and it will never be the same. I knew you Mickey before my children were even born. Thank you for always being so kind,caring and loving to me,Mike,Amanda and Abbi. Also my parents Ray and Shirley. They loved you dearly,and said you were a great man. One of a kind. RIP Mickey.We all Love you. Miss you already.

Dear Joyce and family,
Oh, we are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and love you all!

I was so sad to hear about Mr Mickey! He was such a fun loving man and he was always excited to see us! I will always remember going to the pool growing up and getting stung by my first bee at y'alls house! :) He will be greatly missed! Praying for you Miss Joyce!

Joyce and family, I'll never forget meeting Mickey, even if only briefly. That smile and manner made everyone feel right at home, even strangers! I hope you find comfort in your good memories and I know there are many.

So sad to see this. Thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.

Sheree Rabon
(Minnie Harris' granddaughter)

Joyce
My deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your beloved Mickey.

I have never met a nicer person. If the world had more people like Mickey it would be a much better place. John Monroe

Joyce, Nell and I really enjoyed being with you and Mickey on occasions, especially sharing a meal down the road. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Mickey was a dear person. We will miss him.

Jan and I were sorry to hear about Mickey. He loved his family, friends and the Lower Richland community. He was a good friend to the Alford and Jordan families and he will be missed.

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Burris Family. We in the Lower Richland Community were truly blessed to have him as our representative. He was a good man!

He will be sorely missed. Praying for the family and their healing.

God bless you and your family.

Joyce, so sorry we lost our Mickey. I enjoyed our friendship very much. We had a similar environment growing up. I will always cherish my copy of "Mill Girl".
Prayers for you and the boys!

Mickey was such a "special" man!!! He never met a stranger and always made you feel important. He loved the Lord and was always spreading the good news. We will always remember him as a true friend and man of great character. To Joyce and family, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Joe and Ann Steed

The staff of the Infusion Center are keeping the Burris family in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Mickey and his stories.

It was my pleasure to listen to Mickey's stories while in the Infusion Center. I was blessed to have read some of his books. I will miss him but know he is now healed.

I never meet a better person, always warm and welcoming. Heaven is a much better place now.

So sorry for your loss. Praying for you Joyce and the boys. Mickey was a wonderful man, he will be missed by all. I know Jesse will have a lot of catching up to do with Mickey.

A great man with a great family. Deepest sympathy extended. Garry Wooten.

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

I SEND OUR PRAYERS TO JOYCE AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY AT THE PASSING OF THEIR LOVED ONE.I NEVER HAD THE PLEASEUSRE OF MEETING MICKIE BUT WAS A HIGH SCHOOL CLASSMATE OF JOYCE. MAY OUR LORD WARP HIS ARMS AROUND ALL OF YOU THRU THE DAYS,WEEKS,MONTHS . SINCERELY SORRY JOYCE SNADRA SMITH WHETSTONE AND FAMILY BRUCE AND VICKI W. LOGAN

What a GREAT Brother in Law.
He always made us smile and laugh.
There will not be a day that goes by without thinking about him.
We were truly blessed

So long old friend,have a great and joyful life in the great beyond.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My late husband, Richard, worked for Carolina Electric for may years and loved Mickey like a brother.All of you will be in my prayers during the difficult days ahead.

Our Prayers and Sympathy to Joyce, Tommy ,Hank and family on the loss of a Husband, Father and Friend. May God Bless you all.
John and Dianne Sites

So sorry to hear of Mickey's passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Joyce, my heart breaks for all of you. Please know that Mickey is in a better place. He is probably talking God's ears off. He did love to talk. Mickey, Joyce and Billy you have always been in my thoughts and prayers. I have never worked for anyone as sweet, kind and generous to their employee's as Mickey and Billy I love both of them and feel as if they are part of my family. Love and prayers always, Bette

Joyce:

I was saddened to learn of Mickey's passing. You and the boys have lost a loving husband and father. We in the Brookland Cayce High School class of 1955 have lost a very dear friend. Over the years Mickey could always bring a smile to my face whether it was talking about his family, his books, politics or our love for Citadel football. He will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend.

To all of the Burriss family, we are so sorry for your loss

Our Friendship with Mickey Burriss is best described.....



Most men find friendship,

But, best friends, wellthey're few.

So, finding you as a life-long friend,

Like all good things in life,

There with suddenness, God's gift flew.



When you most need them,

God provides you a good friend,

To share life's ups and downs,

Even a drink, or two.




We pondered life's journey,

Even the occasional detour...

Leaving... all of Life's questions,

To those who knew...



Our personalities were well blended,

Our demeanor stayed fresh,

We wore our friendship in comfort,

Like a cold winter's vest.



We sensed that special bond,

Early on, in our life.

Our friendship, though aged,

Grew like a fine cup of brew.



Fortunate, we were... how our families got along,

Caring, sharingand family vacationstoo.

All the whilejust down the roada mile, or twenty-two.

We stuck it out as all good friends should,

AsHaving you as my friend,

Was...well, like another brother...too.



When you left us today,

You left your heart behind...

Though...the good news is...

You took... all of ours...with you.



In memory of Mickey Burriss

February 25, 1937 - July 21, 2016

Our Bes'tis-Family-Friend since 1954

By....Charles J.L. Brooks ...7/22/16

Love and prayers to Joyce and family,Danny & Kathryn Clough

MY PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY ARE SENT TO JOYCYE AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY IN THE PASSING OF YOUR LOVED ONE.MAY OUR LORD WALK BESIDE ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS.
SANDRA SMITH WHETSTONE AND FAMILY

Joyce, so sorry to read about your loss this morning. You and Mickey will be in our prayers. Old friends, Emmie Sue & Bobby.

Our sympathies to all of the Burriss Family.

Sincerely,

The DiMaria Family

I have many fond memories of working with Mickey the years he was a magistrate. He was a NICE guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Burriss. He was truly a very kind and caring man. May you always hang on to the wonderful memories of the man he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Rest in peace

Condolences to the Burris family. Mickey was my Masonic mentor many years ago and I have thought of him with great fondness through the years. May he rest in peace.

Luke 2:29-32

29
Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
30
For my eyes have seen Your salvation
31
Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
32
A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.

Please know my thoughts and prayers are with this wonderful family at this time. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mickey and his wife Joyce, when I taught his two amazing sons Tommy and Hank at Hopkins Middle School in the eighth grade. What a legacy he has left behind.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Burriss's passing. He was a wonderful man and a GREAT pleasure to talk with. His stories were wonderful and I will never forget him. His family are in my thoughts.

Gary and I are deeply saddened at Mickey's passing. He was a genuinely good man - the kind you don't see often. His writing was entrancing, and I adored his mill town stories. For several years we met him at Bogart's with Rachel Haynie and Bill Kalliher where we solved the problems of the world - political, cultural, and literary. All over a good meal...sharing in each other's writing and publishing efforts. His laugh, his passion, his stories . . . we will miss him. Our prayers go out to Joyce and his family. He loved you all deeply.

I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Mickey through his writing group and feel blessed to have been fortunate enough to hear him read the stories he wrote about his childhood growing up in the mill village. Mickey had a tremendous writing voice and a passion for telling real, honest stories. Heaven has gained an angel who will regale everyone with pure unadulterated laughter and heartfelt stories showcasing his unique talent. He will be sorely missed on this earthly planet. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to his family. May your cherished memories bring you comfort and peace.

Tommy and Hank Our prayers are with you and your family. Melinda & Terry Boatwright

Please accept my deepest sympathy. I always had the greatest respect and admiration for Mickey. Most of all, I admired his great heart. He treated everyone with kindness and always helped anyone he saw in need. He was a role model for the attributes of a father, husband, neighbor, and friend. Mickey was predictably the same every time you saw him....a smile and a warm greeting, that came from a heart that was honest and sincere. His passing will be mourned by many whose lives he touched in his 79 years.
Barbara Crosby Hall, Atlantic Beach, FL

Praying for the Burris family. I'll always remember the fun we had as kids growing up. I know how much he loved his family and his Lord, Jesus Christ. - Jimmy Lyles, Seneca

I always looked forward to hearing Mickey's stories in our writers' group. The ones of the mill hill and his trip to Florida as a young man will remain among my special memories.

Mickey is in very good hands now, God has Blessed this fine man. But my seeing Mickey and Joyce in Eastover in 2014 was so special for Linda and I, and then to seeing him and Joyce again at our reunion was even more special. I'll miss our talks about our mutual friends and shipmates, May God continue to Bless all of the Burriss family.We hope to visit Eastover one more time.

Mickey, Joyce, Tommy and Hank lived across the street from my family years ago when we were all young. I was so blessed to have had the priviledge to be close friends to them for all these years. They have always been there for my family. Nobody could tell a story better that Mickey Burriss. He would keep you laughing. Rest in Pease, Mickey. You will sure be missed by so many people that love you.

Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Burriss Family. Love, B.D. "Smitty" & Shirley Anne Smith, and Lisa King.

MAY God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time
PSALMS 29:11