David Junior Burks

The Life Journey of

“A Warrior that Fought Every Battle”

David Junior Burks

INTRO

David (Buh-Huh) Junior Burks began his journey of life on November 19, 1968 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where he was born to the union of Larry Lane Burks and the late Mary Ann Lock.   Nurtured in a Christian environment, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age, and became a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Sparkman, Arkansas.  He was taught at an early age the value of family, hard work, and education.

CHAPTER 1

A “fun-loving” person who always made his presence known, David made sure there was never a dull moment when he was around.  He was filled with love and laughter. He was a 1986 graduate of Sparkman High School in Sparkman, Arkansas where he was an all-around “gifted” athlete who played football, basketball, and baseball.  After graduating from high school, he went to work in a local lumber mill.  After moving to Little Rock, he acquired a job with Borden Dairy.  Later, he was employed by Raytheon Missiles, and finally became a farmer and business owner.

Chapter 2

Having a thirst for knowledge, he graduated from New Tyler Barber College in North Little Rock, AR in 1996; he earned two (2) Associate of Science degrees from Southern Arkansas University Tech in Camden, AR in 2006 & 2008; and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering-Physics from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR in 2018.  David was currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR in the Operations Management Master’s program, where he was expected to graduate in December.

Chapter 3

On December 25, 1996, David married Patricia Shantay Armstrong in Little Rock, AR.  Later, they moved to Camden, AR where he resided until he was called to his ‘Heavenly Home.’ To this union two (2) children were born:  David Jalen and Kennedy Elise.

Chapter 4

An avid outdoorsman, David loved to hunt, farm, garden, and fish.  He began hunting at a very early age with his maternal grandparents, R.D. and Mabel Lock.  He was truly a ‘country boy’ at heart and in 2000; he became a cattle rancher raising a herd of Santa Gertrudis.  He enjoyed

fishing for crappie and bream, and listening to music.  He loved blues and traditional gospel music.  His favorite artists were Johnnie Taylor and Sir Charles.

A very confident, strong-willed, and persistent individual by nature David was always up for a challenge, and “everything” was a competition to him.  The memory of his existence will forever be woven into the lives of those who were blessed to know him.  He was truly “Unforgettable.”

David’s Lullaby

David gained his crown on May 10, 2021 at Baptist Health in Little Rock, AR. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Lock Hughes.

He leaves to remember and cherish his moments on earth:  his loving wife, Patricia Armstrong Burks of Camden, AR; father, Larry Burks of Sherwood, AR; step-father, Jack Hughes of Malvern, AR; son, David Jalen Burks of Little Rock, AR; daughter, Kennedy Elise Burks of Camden, AR; granddaughter, Ava Marie Burks of Maumelle, AR; one sister, Inda Burks of Little Rock, AR; five brothers, John (Shealine) Burks of Frisco, TX; Kevin (Tosheba) Hughes of Little Rock, AR; Marcus (Candice) Hughes of Upper Marlboro, MD; Adrian Burks of Little Rock, AR; and Alex Burks of Little Rock, AR;; two uncles, Arthur (Jocelyn) Lock, Little Rock, AR; Don Wayne Burks, Sparkman, AR; four aunts, Dorothy Allen, Arkadelphia, AR; Marilyn (Patrick) Wolf Morrilton, AR; Janet (Carl) Harris, Conway, AR; and Malinda Dobbins, Marianna, AR.; sisters-in-law Cassandra D. Sams, Cypress, CA; and Pamela S. Watts, Camden, AR.  He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Finale

I have fought a good fight.  I have finished the race….I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Submitted by the Burks Family

Public visitation will be Friday, May 21, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at William Funeral Home Van Buren, 119 Van Buren Street. Services will be held graveside at Harmony Community Cemetery on Sparkman, Arkansas on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Otis Campbell, III., eulogist.