Raymond Burris Obituary

Raymond M. Burris CHURCH HILL, Tenn. - Capt. Raymond M. Burris, 78, who was raised in Vallejo, Calif., passed away unexpectedly at his residence Tuesday, July 22, 2008. He attended Vallejo Junior College and Linfield College in McMinnville, Ore., prior to entering the U.S. Navy. After completing flight training, he was designated a naval aviator and received his commission as an ensign. Following retirement, he resided in Church Hill for the past 26 years and became an avid fly fisherman. His mother, Gladys Warren Hackett; a stepfather, John Hackett and his grandson, Phillip Ray Lowery, preceded him in death. Capt. Raymond Burris is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joanne Crossley Burris; his daughters, Laura Barbettini and her husband, James Love of Elkhart, Ind., Terri Joanides and her husband John of Chesapeake, Cathie Lowery and her husband Keith of Church Hill; a son, Michael Burris and his wife Rhonda of Elizabeth City, N.C.; grandchildren, Whitney Lowery of Church Hill and Zachary Burris of Elizabeth City. A visitation will be held today in Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Church Hill from 5 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted today at 6 p.m. with Father Charles Burton officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hawkins County Humane Society, P.O. Box 217, Rogersville, TN 37857. You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.