Lewis Orla Burr, 77, passed away on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at his home on Georgia Avenue in Roanoke Rapids.
Lewis was born August 21, 1939, in Las Animas, Colorado, to the late James Emmerson Burr and Oline Elmore Burr.
Lewis is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann L. Burr, of the home; his children, Cherrie L. Burr of Virginia, Randy Burr of Roanoke Rapids, Timothy Burr of Raleigh, and Alan Burr and his wife, Erin Cayea Burr, of New York; his grandchildren, Ciera Ivey, Caitlin Ivey, Cameron Ivey, Christopher Burr, Carter Burr, and Weston Burr; his brother, Donald Burr, of New York; and his sister, Bonnie Smith, of Ohio. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joy Phillips.
Lewis touched the lives of family, friends, and associates in countless ways, and he undoubtedly left his mark on this community through his passion for his work, his tireless service, and his love of local athletics. He was loved, respected, and admired by many; he will be missed; and he will be forever in our memories.
Lewis served in the Army, played college football, helped put a man on the moon, and spent 35 years as a small business owner.
He was a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor and a long-time member of the Roanoke Rapids Rotary Club, the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, Halifax Horizons, and the North Carolina Society of Surveyors. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and caring grandfather.
A memorial service to celebrate Lewis’s life will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016, at Rosemary United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve McElroy. The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
Memorial donations may be made to the Duke Cancer Institute at dukecancerfund.org, and online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.