Obituary for Gary Lynn Burris
With great sadness in our hearts, the family of Dr. Gary L. Burris, age 73, announce his passing away on March 9, 2023.
Gary was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pam Gamble Burris, of 49 years and his father James Burris. He attended First Baptist Church of Cleveland, was a graduate of McMinn Co. High, Tennessee Tech University, and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry at Memphis. He was a loved and well-known dentist for 45 years.
He is survived by his mother Mildred Johnson Burris of Athens, brother and sister-in-law of Cartersville, Ga, James C. and Carol, brother-in-law Tim Gamble of Etowah,nephew Joseph Gamble of Etowah,nephew Andy Burris of Cartersville, GA, nieces Lindy/Luke Beyea of Cartersville, GA, Casey/David Idol of Athens, and Heidi/Mike Lucas of Athens. Gary had one great niece, Abby Beyea, Cartersville, GA, several great nephews, Hayes Burris, Jack Burris, Ben Beyea, from Cartersville, GA, Zak Idol, Zeb Idol, and Cy Ables from Athens, TN. His beloved office staff members April Millsaps, Shanne Garren, and Myra Key will forever remain family.
He loved watching Abby dance at her performances, watching Hayes, Jack, and Ben as they played ball, and listening to Joseph during historical presentations. Gary was very athletic and a well-known tennis player during college years at Tennessee Tech University as well as in his hometown. An avid fisherman he found solace standing in a mountain stream. Notably an outstanding watercolor artist, he spent endless hours sketching and working on paintings in his studio.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, in the Smith Funeral Home chapel with the Reverend Dr. John Powers officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Bob Haile, Ron Foust, Larry Ware, Andy Burris, Joseph Gamble, and Roger Garren.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of choice.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Dr. Gary L. Burris.
Gary was a lifelong resident of McMinn County and was preceded in death by his loving wife, Pam Gamble Burris, of 49 years and his father James Burris. He attended First Baptist Church of Cleveland, was a graduate of McMinn Co. High, Tennessee Tech University, and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry at Memphis. He was a loved and well-known dentist for 45 years.
He is survived by his mother Mildred Johnson Burris of Athens, brother and sister-in-law of Cartersville, Ga, James C. and Carol, brother-in-law Tim Gamble of Etowah,nephew Joseph Gamble of Etowah,nephew Andy Burris of Cartersville, GA, nieces Lindy/Luke Beyea of Cartersville, GA, Casey/David Idol of Athens, and Heidi/Mike Lucas of Athens. Gary had one great niece, Abby Beyea, Cartersville, GA, several great nephews, Hayes Burris, Jack Burris, Ben Beyea, from Cartersville, GA, Zak Idol, Zeb Idol, and Cy Ables from Athens, TN. His beloved office staff members April Millsaps, Shanne Garren, and Myra Key will forever remain family.
He loved watching Abby dance at her performances, watching Hayes, Jack, and Ben as they played ball, and listening to Joseph during historical presentations. Gary was very athletic and a well-known tennis player during college years at Tennessee Tech University as well as in his hometown. An avid fisherman he found solace standing in a mountain stream. Notably an outstanding watercolor artist, he spent endless hours sketching and working on paintings in his studio.
The funeral service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, in the Smith Funeral Home chapel with the Reverend Dr. John Powers officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Bob Haile, Ron Foust, Larry Ware, Andy Burris, Joseph Gamble, and Roger Garren.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a church or charity of choice.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Dr. Gary L. Burris.