Ralph Eugene Burress

Ralph Eugene Burress, age 85, of Van Buren Township, MI, passed away peacefully at home on December 20, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on February 19, 1940, in Helenwood, TN, to Omar and Melba (BoShears) Burress. He was employed as a Tool & Die technician in the tool industry. Ralph worked for Norris Industry for 15 years and Retired from NSS in Plymouth with more than 20 years of service. He was a very religious and faithful man and was a member of the Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church. Ralph enjoyed working on motors, doing mechanical work and tinkering with motors in his spare time. Most of all he loved his family.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Maggie Burress, of Van Buren Twp., his children, Christopher (Vicki Delicruz) Varney of Wauchula, FL, Shirley Townley of Newport, MI, Latonna Scott Whitehouse of New Boston, MI, Tonja Burress of Johnson City, TN, Vanessa Honeycutt of Helenwood, TN, and Melissa (Donny) Kidd of Oneida, TN, his brother Jack, (Retha) Burress of Helenwood, TN, and brother-in-law, O.B. Cotton, of Helenwood, TN, his 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, two infant brothers, and son in law Larry Townley.

A visitation has been planned at the David C. Brown Funeral Home, 460 E. Huron River Drive, Belleville, MI, 48111, on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 4pm until 8 pm, and visitation Saturday December 27, 2025, from 10 am until the time of service of 11 am, which will be led by Pastor Joe Kennedy of Ypsilanti Missionary Baptist Church. An entombment will follow at Michigan Memorial Cemetery in Flatrock, MI.

Please keep Ralph and his family in your thoughts at this difficult time.

This obituary is provided as a courtesy to the family by Jones & Son and West-Murley Funeral Homes.

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