William "Willie" Isaac Burress

William “Willie” Isaac Burress, age 80 of the Ditney Trail community departed this life on Monday, February 17, 2025, in the comfort of his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

William was born on November 5, 1944, in Oneida, Tennessee to Ona and Blaine Burress. Willie, as he liked to be called, was a devout Christian and spent many years sharing the gospel. Willie’s life was defined by an unwavering love for his family and commitment to being a light to those around him. To know him, was to love him. Willie spent his life providing for his family through a host of skill sets from electrical work right down to plumbing. Willie enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed to ride ATVs, going to Cade’s Cove, and shooting pool. His warm smile, wisdom, and generous spirit will be greatly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Willie is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ona and Blaine Burress. Brothers: JK, Mark, and Tony Burress. Sisters: Opal White and Linda Carano.

Willie is survived by his wife of 30 years Sandra Burress; his daughter Erika and fiancé Tyler Carson and children Greyson, Emerson, and Renley; his daughter Valerie and husband Richard Thompson and children Will and Lee; his daughter Tracy and husband Darron Colburn and son Robert; his son Tim and wife Kimberly Burress; stepdaughter Brandy and husband Toby Hutson and children Braxton and Brooklyn; brothers: Dewey, Gene, Lenny, Paul, and Gerald Burress; sisters: Eugenia, Erma, Sharon, Sue, and Geraldine. Other family members include Harold and wife Kim, Michael and wife Hope, Donnie and wife Kaprecia Babb, all of the Ditney Trail community. Willie also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and special friends.

Willie’s legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and all whose lives he touched. He was a man of deep love and integrity, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.  

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 1 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home with Bro. Joe West officiating. Music will be provided by Helen Yancey and Allen Carson.

Committal service will follow in the Massey Cemetery in Pioneer. Pallbearers will be: Steven Babb, Harold Babb, Donnie Babb, Michael Babb, Tyler Carson, and Tony King. Honorary pallbearers will be: Greyson and Emerson Lynch.

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of William “Willie” Isaac Burress.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Willie" Isaac Burress, please visit our floral store.