Mr. Ray Charles Burks' Obituary
Ray Charles Burks was born to the late Rev. Tony Burks and Delphine (Gilbert) Burks, on November 16, 1956, in Lena, Mississippi. Ray Charles accepted Christ at an early age at Grace Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, and later attended Ebenezer Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan. Ray Charles attended Carver Jr. High and Meridian High School. Ray Charles played baseball for Southside Baseball Team, where he was known for his fast ball, catching skills, and fierce home runs. Ray Charles was employed at the City of Meridian Wastewater Treatment Plant, and later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he worked at a Home Health Agency and a security guard at Detroit Yacht Club until his health failed him. After 67 years of dedication to serving his family and commu-nity, Ray Charles transitioned into eternal life on Sunday March 3, 2024. Ray Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Reverand Tony Burks, and Delphine Burks, his two brothers James Burks and Larry Burks. He leaves to cherish his memory two brothers Cleveland Burks (Carolyn W. Burks), Tony Burks Jr. (Tonda Benn Burks), four sisters Jeanette Burks-Betts (Zachariah Betts), Dorothy Burks, Carolyn B. Durr, and Jacqueline Smith of Jackson Mississippi. His significant other Wilana Taylor of Detroit Michigan, two sons Stacy Gavins and Torre Clark of Memphis, TN. A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, and nephews near and far.
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