Joseph A. 'Joe' Burks

Amory – Joseph A. “Joe” Burks, 75, died on November 7, 2013, at North MS Medical Center, Tupelo. Born on August 30, 1938, in Lamar County, AL, he was a son of the late G. Fred and Alma Hughes Burks.

Joe attended Hatley High School and left school to join the US Navy, serving for six years during the Korean War. He worked as a brakeman and a conductor with Frisco, Burlington-Northern, and Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railroads, retiring in 2001, after 30 years of service. Joe also owned and operated a tree service business in Memphis and Amory. He was a member of First Baptist Church. A gentleman who was strong, hardworking, and a fighter during his illness, Joe enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling for special hunting trips.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Burks, Amory; daughter, Deedee Mitchell (Scott), Amory; sons, Andy Burks (Ann), Amory and Steve Burks (Amy), Madison; grandchildren, Sierra Melton, Savannah Mitchell, Skyler Burks, Seth Burks, and David Gray; great-grandchildren, Sophie, Peyton, and Trey; sisters, Ruth Knight, Amory and Monda Godfrey (Robert), Brewer; brother, Sammy Burks (Frances), Napa Valley, CA; sister-in-law, Wilma Dean Burks, Amory; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his previous wife, Mary Elizabeth Burks; brother, Redus Burks; and grandson, Trey.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 PM, Sunday, November 10 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Dr. Allen Simpson officiating. Burial will follow in Haughton Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Adam Clayton, Nick Ballard, Bryan Ballard, Jeff Knight, Spence Knight and Dub Stanford. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Cole, Earl Stevens, Don Leech, Curtis Lewellen, Lester Cagle, Frank Finney, Jerry Reese, Red Reeves, Van East, Danny Coleman, and Jeff Rimmer.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church, PO Box 540, Amory, MS 38821.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.