Thomas Filmore Burris

Thomas Filmore Burris, Jr. was born June 20, 1948, in Cairo, Illinois to Thomas and Ida Ray Burris, Sr. He was the fifth out of eleven children even though he told everyone he was the oldest.

Thomas received his education in the Cairo Public School System, graduating from Sumner High School in 1966.

Upon graduation, Thomas moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he worked at Curtis Candy Company. During this time he was also attending college, working towards an Electrical degree.

Thomas enlisted into the United State Marines Corps on June 16, 1968. After his training, he was sent to Vietnam and reached the rank of Lance Corporal. During his service, Thomas received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received in combat action, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with device, Rifle Marksman Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Upon discharge from the military, Thomas moved back to Chicago, IL. He drove for UPS while finishing his electrical degree.

Thomas moved back home and was employed by the Cairo Police Department. Later he went on to be employed by Union Carbine in Paducah, Kentucky, as an Electrician, until his retirement. During his retirement years, he was a dedicated member of the Cavalier Club, until its closing. He was also an Alexander County Deputy Coroner and was elected to the Cairo City Council, as Councilman At Large.

Thomas was welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Thomas and Ida Ray Burris, Sr., wife, Erma Burris, Son, Thomas Burris, step daughter, Diane Vaughn, sisters, Gloria Patton, Zenobia (Thomasine) Johnson and Fay Carol Baker and brothers, Tyrone (Thurston) Pettigrew, Arnold Burris and Kermit Burris.

Thomas is survived by his children; Victor Franklin, Sonya Davis, Ebony Martin, Alexia Houston, and Omar Kinard. Step Children; Francella Hollis, Lena Oates, Amelia ( LeRoy) Dupree, James Vaughn and Yolanda Wilkins. Grandchildren; Latrisha ( Johnnie) Dupree and Bridgett Vaughn. Sisters; Sharon (Donald) Box, Launa Lewis, and Rose Burris. Brother; Wendell (Avia) Burris, Sr. Special Brothers; Jerry Jackson, Bill Davis and Blanton Bondurant. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Special thanks to his closest friends, Wesley Wilson and Della Woodson, who were there to the end.

Service for Thomas F. Burris will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Massie Funeral Home in Mounds, IL 62964. Visitation is scheduled to began @ 10:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M. Funeral service is scheduled @ 11:30A.M. with Bishop Hurbert Pirtle officiating. Internment will follow in the Mound City National Cemetery @ 1:00 P.M. in Mound City, IL. Online condolences may be left at WWW.MASSIEFUNERALHOME.COM

Professional Service & Care Entrusted To: Massie Funeral Home-Mounds, IL 62964

Serving Illinois, Missouri & Kentucky Est. 2000