Francis R. Burns

Funeral services for Mr. Francis Ray Burns will be conducted at 3:00 pm Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend Brad Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in the St. James Cemetery in Bassfield. Mr. Burns, age 86, entered into the eternal rest of his Lord early Thursday morning, October 2, 2025, at his home in Bassfield. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held Sunday afternoon, beginning at 2:00 pm until the hour of service at 3:00 pm at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Mr. Burns will be carried to his final rest by those honored to serve as pallbearers, including Robert Burns, John McRaney, Jimmy Hutchinson, and Tim Dyess.

Francis Ray Burns was born in Jefferson Davis County on March 30, 1939, to Pat and Cordia Faler Burns. A resident of this area most of his life, Mr. Burns devoted many years working for the Mississippi Department of Transportation, where he retired as a Road Foreman. Mr. Burns proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Air Force. After retirement, he also worked for Speights Cash and Carry in Prentiss. A man full of energy and a zest for life, friends will recall Mr. Burns’ passion for 4-wheeler racing all the way through his seventies. Additionally, he was a huge fan of the New Orleans Saints. Mr. Burns was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Sue Burns; his brothers, Hubert Burns, Robert Burns, James W. Burns, and an infant brother, Charlie Patrick Burns; and also his sisters, Sallie Burns and Alene Burkett.

He is survived by his daughter, Anita Durgin of Cleburne, TX; his caregivers, Dawn and Brittany Hutchinson; 5 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.