James Michael (Mike) Burris was born on October 5, 1967, to the late Willie James and Faye Ann Anderson Burris. He was a member of Gethsemane F. B. Holiness Church. He graduated from East Hall High School in 1985. He was a member of the Gainesville Gymnastics Team, as well as numerous clubs and organizations as a young man. Michael passed from this life on July 14, 2020.
After attending Morris Brown College, he entered the United States Navy from 1990-1998, serving on the U.S.S. KIDD. (DDG993), Norfolk, Virginia. Micheal served in The Gulf War known as Operation Desert Storm. His last assignment with the United States Navy was the Naval Reserve Personnel Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. After being honorably discharged with numerous medals, which includes: 2 Navy E Ribbons, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation.
In his pastime, Mike enjoyed watching all sports, especially football. He loved to explore during family outings. He would often wander off to explore the scenery. Once at the World’s Fair, he was gone for over an hour. He walked back with his carefree and infectious attitude, thereby avoiding getting into trouble. His contagious smile, his laughter, and his selfless disposition will always be remembered by those who knew him, and his favorite quotes were, “Hey dude!” and “Really, man?” While in the Military, he was able to travel the world.
Michael leaves to cherish fond memories, his wife, Anushka Dawes-Burris. Two loving children, his son: Caleb Burris, Gainesville GA., and his daughter Britany Burris Gainesville, GA. His two grandchildren: Cameron Burris and Mckenzie Burris. His brothers and sisters: Deanna (Walter) Rucker, Lula, GA, Mark (Joy) Burris, McDonough, GA, and Misty (Terrell) Whitfield, Flowery Branch, GA. He is survived by his uncle and aunt, Bobby Joe (Joan) Anderson of Rochester, NY, and Joanne Zanders and Arthur (Lamar) Burris of Gainesville, GA. He will be fondly missed by his nieces and nephews: Jessica Brown, L. Nelson Anderson II, Nijah Burris, Jasmine Rucker, Ashleigh Rucker, Moreno Burris, and Mari Jai Burris. Also cherishing his memory are his in-laws. Michael will be forever in the hearts of his special cousins: Bobby Anderson, Jr., Sherri A. Armstrong, Erica Brown, and Russel Zanders. He is also survived by cousins in the Anderson, Cheeks, Johnson, Ingram and Sadlers families, a host of other relatives, and very close friends. The visitation for Mr. Burris will be Monday July 20th at Wimberly Funeral Home between the hours of 12-6pm. Mr. Burris’ service will be Tuesday July 21st at Memorial Park. at 1pm. Professional Funeral Service Entrusted to Wimberly Funeral Home.
