Bobby Joe Burris, aged 81, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, with his family and caregivers by his side during his final days and moments. His last words before his final, earthly breath was “God is great. God is good” as he was surely entering the gates of Heaven and in the presence of Jesus.
Bobby was born on February 27, 1943, to Ruby Cox Burris and biological father Will Lathan, but raised lovingly by his grandparents, Robert and Hester Cox. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois “Pudgie” Clinton Burris; infant son, Ryan Burris; identical twin brother and best friend, Billy Burnes; step-dad Ollie Burris; and other siblings, Doris Hines, Ricky Burris, Roger Burris, and Angie Caudle.
He is survived by his siblings Johnny Burris and Betty Bowser; his only daughter, Cristle Spelts (Mike); his four sons, Bryan Burris (Laney), Mark Burris (Kim), Kevin Burris (Sherry) and Keith Burris (Kathy); his fourteen grandchildren, Kristin Stacks (Michael), Courtney Reeves (Jonathan), Lauren Munn (Andrew), Matthew Burris (Whitney), Jenna Taylor (David), Brittany Graff (Garrett), Chad Burris (Hannah), Tyler Burris (Danielle), Christian Lynch, Morgan Shirley (Alex), Ethan Burris, Kinley Bruce (Logan), Shelby Burris, and Haley Burris; and his fifteen and counting great-grandchildren, Austin, Audrey, Hayden, Tanner, Caroline, Tucker, Carson, Catherine, Avery, Sailor, Coy, Sophie, Easton, Cade, and Wyatt.
Bobby left school before the 8th grade and went to work at Highland Park Mill. He retired from Winn-Dixie warehouse where he was loving named, “Egg Man” signifying his role at Winn-Dixie.
Bobby rejoiced Earth-side knowing that his presence after death would be in Heaven. His gifts to all were his gift of story-telling, his constant humor and singing. He told many stories of seeing Big Foot, loved a good joke and he is no doubt now singing in Heaven’s choir.
Bobby truly embraced his greatest title of all, “Grandpaw.” He knew his earthy riches were found in the lives of them all, and he knew the Lord blessed him abundantly with them. From trips to Carowinds, walking railroad tracks, getting ice cream and watching wrestling instead of Saturday morning cartoons, his greatest gift to them was his gift of his time. He always had time.
Over the past five years, his family was able to return the gift of their time by being caregivers. Despite the efforts of his children keeping grandpaw on a low-sugar diet, his grandchildren helped him to enjoy the finer things in life by sneaking him milkshakes and an occasional three musketeers. The visits he may not have remembered ten minutes after they left, but the memories they made will last them a lifetime. While Grandpaw may have been robbed of his memory, it could never steal his joy.
A visitation for Bobby will be held from 5pm until 7pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Greene’s Funeral Home Northwest Chapel 2133 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732. Bobby’s celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Greene’s Funeral Home Northwest Chapel with his oldest grandson, Bishop Matthew Burris, officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park – Cherry Road.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net