Obituaries

Dr. Risden Fuller Burris, age 93, of Carolina Care in Cherryville, and formerly of 1192 West Highway 150, Lincolnton, died on Sunday, January 4, 2015.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at Emanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Collins officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. in the North Wing of the church prior to the service.

Dr. Burris was born December 2, 1921, in Stanly County, to the late Dr. Flavius Ray and Hettie Bernace Strickland Burris. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Leila Kistler Burris and a brother, Dr. Efird Strickland Burris.

He graduated from Lincolnton High School and joined the US Navy in World War II and served in the Pacific Asiatic Campaign.  He graduated from Lincoln Chiropractic College and was in practice with his father and his brother, Dr. Efird Burris and later with his son, Dr. Ray L. Burris. 

Dr. Burris was operator of Burris Airpark, one of the county’s first airports established by his father from 1947-1956, a pilot and aircraft salesman.   He was a member and past Master of Lincoln Masonic Lodge #137 A.F. and A.M., Shriner (Knights Templar and Oasis Shrine), former member and officer in the Rotary Club, and member of Sigma Phi Kappa Fraternity.  His hobbies included photography and dancing.

He is survived by sisters, Mabel Barta of Greensboro and Lavina Kuck, of Lincolnton; children Delores Bolen, of Lincolnton, Dr. Ray Burris and wife Susan, of Lincolnton, and Allison Burris of Newton; Grandchildren: Angela Wilson and husband Dennis, of Olin, Douglas Bolen, of Lincolnton, Dietra Pope and husband Tommy of South Carolina, Macrae Walters and husband Robert of Stanley, Jonathan Burris and wife Stefanie of Lincolnton, Kristi Johnson of Opp, Alabama and nine great grandchildren
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 216 South Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 or charity of choice.