Burns, William R., Jr.

BURNS, WILLIAM R., JR. Fruitport, MI Mr. William R. Burns, Jr., age 58, died Thursday, July 16, 2009. He was born on October 5, 1950 in Muskegon, MI to William and Peggy (Lofton) Burns, Sr. Bill was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church of Fruitport, and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired in 2006 as the captain of N.O.A.A. (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) GLERL's research vessel based at Muskegon, MI., with 28 years of service as a federal civil servant.

Bill was a very loving, devoted, caring father, grandfather, husband, uncle, and friend. Bill's family was his whole life, and he was an avid fan of his chilldren's football and softball games, and also loved to spend time with them going camping and to Disney World as often as possible. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, the former Donna Packer; his children, William R. Burns, III, Aaron, Katlynn, and Haleigh Burns; his precious granddaughter, Caylin Williams; sister, Patricia Erickson of Grand Haven, MI; and several nieces and nephews. The Funeral Service was held at 1 PM Saturday July 18th at the Bethel Baptist Church of Fruitport. Burial will be made in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. There will be no visitation.

Memorial donations may be given for his children's college educational fund to:

Memorials Children's College Fund
Fifth Third Bank
50 Park Street
Fruitport MI
231-865-3183