Theodore Burris departed this life to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 6, 2021.  He was born to the late Theodore Roosevelt and Nora Burris on February 21, 1936 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Theodore was married to Barbara (Anderson) and from this union they had six children.  His life was devoted to his family!  He was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church where he and wife worked as a team. He also served on the Deacon Board. 
He was employed by the State of Tennessee for forty-one years. He began at East Tennessee Chest Disease Hospital and later transferred to the Tennessee School for the Deaf.

Anyone that knew Theodore also knew his favorite phrases: “Oops there it is”; “Bobbi”; “Oops scuse me”; “Jive turkey” to name a few. Also let us not forget he was a lover of sports.
Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Anderson) Burris and brothers, Carl Burris, Arthur Burris.
Left to cherish his memory: daughters, Shirleen Burris and Kimesia Burris; sons, Theodore Byron Burris Sr., Mark Burris (Carmella), Bradley Burris and Vincent Burris (Cheryl); grandchildren, Corey Burris, Aubrey Burris, Byron Gilmore, Yasmin Ellis (Terrence), Alyshia McDuffey (Ernest), Alan Burris, LaQuisha Burris, Justin Burris (Ebony), Cameron Burris, Ashlee Burris, Kyra Burris, Da’Nashia Burris, Theodore Byron Burris Jr. and Nadia Burris: twenty-seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Rose William of Cleveland, OH and Deanna Brabson; brothers, Marvin Burris, Melvin Burris of Cleveland, OH, William Burris (Joyce) and Wilbur Burris (Shea); a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. 

Thursday, May 13, 2021, a public walkthrough is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Payne Avenue Baptist Church, 2714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, TN. A service to follow for immediate family and close friends.  Pastor Melvin Wright is the eulogist.  Social distancing and face coverings are required.  Interment will follow at New Gray Cemetery, 2724 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN where a white dove release will conclude the service.  Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the walkthrough.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.