Larry "Don" Burris, from Delano, TN, born on February 2nd, 1948, sadly left us in the comfort of his home while surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 9th, 2025.

Don was the one and only familiar voice of the Polk County Wildcats for 30 years, a dedicated little league football coach, a recurring rook champion, the chairman of the election commission, a fishing fanatic, an avid softball player, a wisdom speaker and coffee drinker, a Dallas Cowboy fan, a long-time Friendship Baptist Church member, a devoted husband, a present and loyal father, a proud and loving grandfather, and a beloved friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his father, Rola Lafon Burris, and mother, Rebecca Marie Burris.

He leaves behind his lovely and dear wife of 57 years, Julia Unavee Burris; his three children, Chris (Amy) Burris, Tracy (Moon) Roberson, and Shane (Paula) Burris; his grandchildren, Cassie (Michael) Magiera, Autumn (Justin) Green, Lake (Hannah) Burris, Makenna (Jayden) Bogovich, Jake (Lainie) Roberson, Parker (Kiersten) Burris, Briley Waters, Avery Burris, and Silas Burris; his great-grandchildren, Cason and Ellie Magiera, Beckett and Everly Green, and soon-to-be great-grandson, Stetson Don Burris.

Don brought joy and laughter everywhere he went, as well as a pocket full of life advice (old sayings) that he was always sharing with his children and grandchildren. Don loved nothing more than sitting on the Hiwassee River bank, surrounded by his family and friends around a campfire. We will never forget the sound he would make after a dip in the chilly water! We rejoice in the fact that he is making that same sound of rejuvenation, joy, and freedom again with his new lungs in heaven. Freedom to breathe easily and to walk or run again along the heavenly riverbanks and maybe even mow just for fun—because we all know how much he liked mowing. His steady guidance, gentle hands, and unwavering love will be missed by us all immensely. When we get weak and weary and the grief is too heavy, we will hear one of his favorite sayings echoing in our hearts, "Yesterday's gone; tomorrow's not here yet; live and enjoy today." - Don Burris

That is what we will do to honor his legacy and name until we are once again reunited with his face at the heavenly gates.
Go Polk, Go Vols, Go Cowboys, Daddy/Papa Don is finally home.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12, 2025 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Ross officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m., to 2:00 p.m., Sunday prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.

Lake Burris, Parker Burris, Jake Roberson, Justin Green, Michael Magiera, Cason Magiera, Avery Burris, and Silas Burris will serve as pallbearers.

Obituary written by his granddaughter, Autumn Green.