Willie James Burks, Jr.

June 8, 1942 - January 255, 2012

SOUTH BEND - Willie James Burks, Jr., 69, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family members.

Willie was born on June 8, 1942, in Ruleville, Misissippi, to the union of Willie J. Burks, Sr. and Beatrice Townsend Burks. Willie was the second eldest of seven children.

Willie and family relocated to South Bend, Indiana in January 1945. He graduated from Riley High School. He was united in marriage to Martha Jo Dodd in December 1961. The Heavenly Father blessed them with two sons, Maurice R. Burks, Sr., and Mark T. Burks, Sr. Willie's employment history included Bendix, Allied and Freeman-Spicer. He was also a truck driver for many years, and retired from R & L Trucking after 15 years of service.

He is survived by two sons, Maurice R. Burks, Sr. and Mark T. (Carrie) Burks, Sr.; four grandchildren, Jacqitta R. Burks, Maurice R. Burks, Jr., Mark T. Burks, Jr., and Diamond M. Burks; one great-grandchild, Jeryiah L. Campbell; two sisters, Claudia B. Burks of South Bend, Indiana, and Rosie L. Walker of Clarkston, Georgia; three brothers, Harris "Buster" Burks of Clarkston, Georgia, George D. (Elaine) Burks of Decatur, Georgia, and Clarence Burks of South Bend; along with numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Willie J. Burks, Sr. and Beatrice Townsend Burks; and by a sister Willia M. Busch.

Services for Willie James Burks, Jr. will be held on Friday, February 3, 2012, in the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, Inc., 2702 Lincolnway West. Visitation willl begin at 11 a.m., and then services at 12 noon. Visit www.clarkoneal.com to sign his guestbook. Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with arrangements.

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