William Edward Burks

William Edward Burks, 73, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away June 20, 2024. He was born February 1, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late Leonard and Mary Burks. 

William is preceded in death by his sister, Frances Perdicaris. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rosemary Bird Burks; sister, Mary Deal (Will); sister-in-law, Jeannie Price (John) and brother-in-law, James Perdicaris; nieces, Jennifer Jackson (Brad), Marianne Price (Rachel), Tressa Laurent and Kerri Lynn Boggs; and two nephews; great-nieces, Emily, Haley, Isabelle, and Grace; and his dearest fur baby, Lila Rose, along with a host of family and friends. 

William served in the United States Navy Reserve for three years serving in the Vietnam War from 1970-1972. After his military service, he worked for Allen Granite Industry. While working in the granite business, William spent 18 months constructing the Vietnam War Memorial on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds. He then went on to work for Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock for the medical records department. He retired in 2013 after 17 years. 

William, his wife, Rosemary, and their puppy dog, were able to enjoy many years traveling in their RV. They spent time in Branson, Oklahoma, Gettysburg along with many other state parks. He really enjoyed following Big Foot sightings. 

In his younger years, he loved hunting, fishing and tent camping with his family and friends. Family was so important to William. He always looked forward to his great-nieces coming to visit and the conversations that would ensue. 

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the funeral home with burial following at 1:00 PM at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.