Harry O Burks Jr.

Harry O. Burks Jr., age 91, of Shelby, passed away on August 25, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 10:15 AM at the Alabama National Cemetery. Dr. David Tuton is presiding and Bolton Funeral Home is directing. Harry was born Sept 8, 1933 in Birmingham, Alabama, the son of Harry O. Burks and Leah Edna Guffee Burks. He was the oldest of three children. Harry graduated from John Carroll High School, where he also worked as an usher at the Lyric Theater. After graduation, he and his uncle enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Harry served as an aircraft mechanic at several Naval Air Stations. His love of aviation continued throughout his life, and he later became a private pilot. Following his military service, Harry joined the Washington, D.C. Fire Department, where he worked for many years and retired as Deputy Fire Chief. He was also an auctioneer and an amateur woodcarver. Harry lived a number of years in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where he developed an interest in tractors - both old and new. He was especially fond of old Farmalls. He later returned to Alabama to be near family and was a longtime, active volunteer at the Shelby Iron Works Park. He is survived by his loving wife, Robbie Lynn Kendrick Burks, his brother, William Burks, his daughters, Debra Valles and Mary Cannon, his son, Gary Burks, and a host of other family and friends. Please sign online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.