Clay Dee Burns

Clay Dee Burns, 88, entered eternal life on October 22, 2024, at his home in Sherman Texas surrounded by loved ones.
Born on May 25, 1936, in Hagerman, Texas, Clay was the proud son of George and Vera Burns. His childhood was marked by laughter alongside his 5 siblings and adventures that filled his days with joy. In the halls of Denison High School, he discovered his passion for woodworking, an art form that defined much of his life. He was part of the first graduating class from the new high school on Mirick Avenue, where his hands shaped not just his future but also the furniture for his school and, later, the bedroom suite he built for his beloved wife-to-be.
It was at a quaint restaurant in Pottsboro, where a young server named Janice Louise Wright caught his eye. Their chance meeting blossomed into a love that would span nearly 66 years. They married on November 1, 1958, creating a life filled with family and memories. Though they faced the heart-wrenching loss of their first child, their family eventually grew to include daughter Paula and son Duane, affectionately known as Bud.
Clay served his country in the Army, but it was in the world of carpentry where he truly thrived building homes where families would create their own cherished memories.. For 35 years, he dedicated himself to Loe's Highport. Retirement did not slow him down; he then continued working at Grandpappy Point Marina and channeling his creativity into custom woodworking long into his 80s.
His garden was a testament to his green thumb-every plant, bloom, and vegetable a piece of his love for gardening. He was known as the "BOSS of the garden"
Clay's faith was the cornerstone of his life. He found his spiritual home at Hagerman Baptist Church, attending regularly after being baptized in 1952. As an unwavering deacon, he inspired many with his gentle spirit and commitment to serving others. He believed that the love of the Lord was to be shared, and through mission trips and community service, he did just that.
Clay also embraced life's simple pleasures-building birdhouses that filled his and others yards with chirping melodies, attending many bluegrass festivals where friends strummed familiar tunes, and camping under the stars with friends and family. Each moment was a tapestry woven from love, laughter, and the joy of being with those he cherished.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, infant son Phillip Dee, son Duane (Bud), brother Ernest, twin brother Ray, sisters Evelyn Deaton and Jane Sloan,
Clay is survived by wife Janice, sister Geneva Walker, daughter Paula, (Russell) Samford, grandchildren Jacob, (Nikki) Samford, Ryan, (Pippen) Samford, Tyler Burns and Jayci Burns. Great grandson Ridge Samford (Papa's little buddy).
In the end, Clay Dee Burns was not just remembered for what he built with wood, but for the immeasurable love he built within his family and community-a legacy that will remain long after he departed.
A Memorial Service will be held on October 26, 2024, 11:00 am at Hagerman Baptist Church. Visitation at 10:00 am.