JC Burris
Born: October 28, 1928
Died: February 25, 2010
JC Burris, Sr. was born to Prince Henry and Lena (Simpson) Burris on October 28, 1928 in Tom, OK. He was the second of seven children.
JC grew up and attended Pine Ridge School in Tom. In 1945, JC enlisted in the US Army to serve his country. After separation from the military (and subsequent to relocating to Oklahoma City), JC met the love of his life, Faye M. Goodmon of Luther, OK. The two were united in holy matrimony on March 16, 1952, in Faye’s parent’s home. This union was blessed with five sons Donald R., Darryle B., Rodney U., JC Jr., and Reginald D.
While living in Oklahoma City, JC served as a deacon/treasure for a local Church of the Living God. He relocated his family to Logan County in 1963 and became very active in the community as a farmer/rancher in the Langston/Coyle areas. A proud member of the Logan County Democratic Party, he always treated people with dignity and respect. A man of character and integrity, JC treated others as he wanted to be treated. He was a member of the board of directors for Outback Resources, helping those with special needs. He also served as chairman of the Logan County Election Board and chairman of Langston Federal Credit Union. He once worked at Guthrie Job Corps and Tinker AFB.
JC had a calling to serve and protect the rights of others. In 1973 he was hired as the first black Deputy Sheriff of Logan County. Later, he was named Under Sheriff. Upon the resignation of the existing Sheriff, JC was appointed by the Logan County Commissioners to complete the current term. In 1980 he was elected Sheriff of Logan County, making him the first black Sheriff in the state of Oklahoma, retiring in 1992. At that time, he was the first African American elected to a county-wide office. In retirement, he continued to work on his farming duties.
JC passed away to eternal rest and reward on Thursday, February 25, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Alvin and Calvin, two sisters Jessie Bell and Iola, and one son JC Burris, Jr.
JC leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 57 years Faye of Coyle, OK; two siblings AJ (wife Flo) and Earnestine of Oklahoma City, OK; sister-in-law Elmarine (wife of the late brother Alvin); four sons Donald R. of Texarkana, TX, Darryle B. of Oklahoma City, Rodney (wife Earlene) of Guthrie, OK; and Reginald D. of Oklahoma City; twelve grandchildren; and host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, friends, and loved ones.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 4, 2010 at First Christian Church, Guthrie. Interment will follow at Summit View Cemetery, Guthrie. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
The family requests memorials be made for Haiti Relief to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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