Obituary of William Earl Burnside

William “Bill” Burnside was born in Belpre, Ohio to Wallace Gribble Burnside & Hazel Velma (Richards) Burnside. He was one of ten children. Bill passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 30, 2024 at the age of 80, after battling aggressive dementia/Alzheimer’s for the past two years. 

Bill is survived by his two loving sons, William “Brent” Burnside (Susan) of Modesto, California, Aaron D. Burnside (Tiffany) of Pensacola, Florida, three granddaughters, Sierra Hunt (Joe) of Mesa, Arizona, Sydney Burnside (Will) of Modesto, California, and Brianna Burdess of Pensacola, Florida. 

Bill grew up in the wonderful town of Belpre, Ohio where he was surrounded by his very large loving family. He graduated from Warren High School in 1963 where he played football & would meet his future wife Betty Elizabeth Kelly. 

Bill & Betty were married August 10, 1966, at the Barlow Methodist Church, and lived in Constitution, Ohio where Bill worked at a local bakery. Bill joined and served in the US Army from 1966-1968, while in the army he earned his exert rifle. He was honorably discharged and is a Veteran.

Bill & Betty decided to move to California to be closer to her brothers, and upon arriving in Modesto California Bill accepted a job at Gallo Winery where he worked in the bottling room as a maintenance mechanic. Gallo winery proved to be not only to be a job but a great career, Bill retired after thirty-three years of service. 

Upon retirement Bill decided he would move to the sunshine state of Florida to live near Aaron, Tiffany & Brianna. 

Bill enjoyed fishing, his dogs (he had several throughout his lifetime), watching football on Sundays while enjoying a Colorado bulldog, trips to the casinos, crab legs, riding dirt-bikes and coaching his boys’ baseball teams in his younger years. One thing for sure is Bill loved his family and was very proud of his boys, he sacrificed and always put them first.

Bill is preceded in death by Betty Burnside, by his parents, his brothers and sisters, Guy Burnside, Wallace Burnside Jr, Bernice Stephens, Norma Ross, Shirley Cookson, Janet Flowers, Larry Burnside, Gary Burnside & Kenneth Burnside. 

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Life Care of Pensacola where Bill resided for the past few years. During this very difficult time they provided excellent care and supported our family as we navigated the challenging road of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

In lieu of flowers the family of the late William “Bill” Burnside has requested memorial donations be made to any of the following.

Alzheimer’s Association

https://act.alz.org>donate

SPCA Florida

http://www.spcaflorida.org>donate

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.Family-Funeral.com

 

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