Clarence Burris Jr.

Clarence Clifford Burris, Jr. was born in Camden, DE on September 22, 1924 to the late Clarence Clifford Burris, Sr. and Mabel Burris. He departed this life on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at the age of 89 at the Milford Nursing Center. He is the fourth child of ten siblings. His mother passed when he was three and half years old. Clarence attended Star Hill Elementary School, Booker T. Washington Middle School and Delaware State College High School, graduating in June 1942. Clarence was enrolled in Delaware State College and called into the United States Army in 1943 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946. After returning to Delaware State College for one semester, Clarence returned to the U.S. Army with advance rank and special schooling with Army Engineers. In August 1950, Clarence was sent to Korea and suffered life threatening shrapnel wounds in April 1951. Clarence recalls standing on a mountain top in the middle of Korea and giving his life to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Clarence was introduced to Creola by her brother-in-law in the summer of 1943. They were married in 1945 while he was still in the Army. From this union, there were three siblings, Joyce F. Burris, School Teacher, Marva Agnes Burris Jones, Rev. and Teacher, and Clarence Clifford Burris, III, Immigration Attorney. In the spring of 1953, Clarence was transferred to France then to Germany with his family – returning tothe United States in 1956. He was assigned to the United States Military Recruiting Service in New York City, New York. Clarence was ordered to Vietnam in 1967, returning in the fall of 1968. He received an A.A.S. Business Degree from Pace University, New York City and a B.S. Degree from Delaware State University. Clarence was CEO, owner and president of Real Estate Company, BURCRE, LLC. Clarence attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major. He has received many awards and military decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation w/Oak Leaf Cluster, eight good conduct medals, two presidential citations, seven service medals and community achievement awards. He was a member of the following organizations: Masonic Club AFAM, Scout Master, Kappa Alpha Psi Life Member, VFW Life Member, and President of the Milford Lions Club. Clarence’s employment experience was vast where he held business licenses with the Stock Exchange, Insurance Agency and as a U.S. Postal Clerk. He was also a member of John Wesley United Church, Milford, DE, where he served as a Deacon under the Pastorship of Rev. Yvonne Brunson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Ellis, Norman, George Calvin Burris; sisters: Louise Burris, Thelma (Burris) Demby, Helen (Burris) Baynard, Doris Burris; and his step mother, Mary Ann (Harris) Burris. He is survived by his wife, Creola (Snell) Burris, two daughters; Joyce Burris of Dover, DE and Marva (Burris) Jones of Dover, DE; one son, Clarence Clifford Burris, III (Veronica) of McLean, VA; six grandchildren, Ayasha, Creola, Octavia, D’Mitri, Tiana and Clarence Clifford Burris, IV; and five great grandchildren; two sisters, Delema Carter of Felton, DE and Frances Mosley (Herman) of Felton, DE; one brother-in-law, Winfred (Cathy) Snell of Milford, DE; two sisters-in-law, Jean Smallwood of NY and McCury (Steve) Owens of NY; a dear friend, Greg (Deborah) Parham of Milford, DE; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence Burris Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Clarence Burris Jr.

September 22, 1924 - February 11, 2014