Walter Lee Burris

1939 - 2024

Walter Lee Burris
Jan. 20, 1939 - March 13, 2024

Walter Lee Burris, 85, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024, in Sapulpa. He was born on Jan. 20, 1939, in Gore, to Bud Burris and Etter (Bell) Burris. He was a resident of Sallisaw.
Walter is survived by his siblings, Ottis Burris and Mary Whiten; his children, Arlene Shearer, Edward Burris, Sandra Smith, Darla Love, Lavonna Rodriguez and Daniel Burris; his girlfriend, Sandy LaViness; 28 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Etter Burris; his wife, Paulene Burris; his brothers, Monroe, Roy, Emmitt, Elmer, and Don; his sisters, Helen, EvieMay, Ethel, and Eller; his daughter, Wanda Smith; and his grandchildren, Katelynn Love and Robert Morris.
Walter grew up in Sallisaw and said he loved it there because "everybody knew everybody." He liked small-town living.
He was a truck driver for 47 years. It was his passion. His CB Handle was "Bakersfield Bandit." His favorite route was the round trip from Oklahoma to California. He kept his truck nice and clean and refused to remove the plastic seals from his new truck. It was to ensure it would stay new!
Walter worked at Arnco Transportation for 19 years and was highly favored by all. He received the One Million Mile Award twice. He also received First Place trophies for Best in Show when he would enter his truck in the parades. People enjoyed watching him wave to them while he stood on the running board of his truck in the parade.
There was a time when he thought his 3-year-old granddaughter, Katie, was lost in the cab of his truck. He was so relieved when he found her sitting holding two stuffed bears in a net at the top of his truck cab. After that, he always talked about the big smile on her face when he found her! He said this was one of his favorite memories.
Amongst the things Walter enjoyed were helping others, building porches, and going up to ladies in the stores to tell them he loved them. Most of all he enjoyed the grandbabies' birthday parties and family gatherings. He also enjoyed fishing and but he love to deer hunt every year and said that he would never touch the baby deer so they can grow up. He loved spraying glitter on the rims of his vehicles because he said that he "wanted to sparkle!"
One of Walter's last conversations was about love. He said, "I get excited especially when I'm telling somebody I love 'em and I see the feelings and see 'em light up. It's a feeling that is hard to explain. It's just a real comfort that in your heart you feel so good to tell somebody you love 'em."
One of his favorite songs was "Precious Memories." Thank you, Walter, for leaving us with so many precious memories that will always linger with us. It's not goodbye, but love you and see you later!
Funeral services for Mr. Burris will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw. Burial will follow at Sallisaw City Cemetery under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.