William “Bill” F. Burke, 79, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016, at the Tidewell Hospice House in Sarasota, FL. He was born in Zeigler, IL and moved to Florida in 1962 from Pennsylvania.
He served his country as a member of the United States Air Force. Bill’s favorite sport growing up was baseball. He played from a very young age, in high school and in the Air Force. Following his time in the service, Bill played minor league baseball in the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankee organizations. He also had an opportunity to meet the Red Sox Legend Ted Williams. An ankle injury ended his dreams of playing in the major leagues. He owned his own flooring business in Sarasota for over thirty years.
Bill loved the Lord and always told people, “Jesus comes first”. He was a loving son, husband, father, brother, and Grandpa Giant. He loved to fish, enjoyed bowling, was very humorous and was always telling funny stories. He was a true and honest friend that had a smile that could light up a room. He was a member of the Covenant Life Church in Sarasota and the Elks Club.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Pauline Burke. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karen; sons, Brian of Abilene, TX and Adam of Monroe, NC; daughter, Rebecca Brand of Clearwater; brothers, Gene of Greensburg, PA and Robert of Sarasota; sister, Rose Johnson of Sarasota; and 4 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the Covenant Life Church, 8490 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34238.
Please sign his guestbook below.
My love and prayers are with you Karen.
Karen and family, Ralph and I are praying for strength and comfort for you during this time of loss. Love you Karen.
Our love and prayers are with you at this time. Bill and his wonderful sence of humor will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you go through this difficult time. Bill is rejoicing with the Lord !!
All the way from Italy please know Karen you are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. God Bless and comfort you and your family.
Please do know that that our hearts hurt with you at the loss of your dear husband.
We loved him and appreciated him. We loved to talk baseball with him, and we enjoyed reading his written work.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen, and your family. God bless each one of you with precious memories.
Karen , so sorry for your loss. I’m sorry I can’t attend the service on Saturday. I don’t think I ever met your husband but he must have been very special. Prayers for you and your family.
I was blessed to know Bill. He was so friendly, kind and genuine as I got to know him by being a pharmacist at Walgreens. I read his novel he shared with me and marveled had his life filled with his God given talents!!!
Prayers of comfort to his dear family.