WILLIAM (BILL) E. BURNS

William (Bill) Edward Burns, 80, of Panama City, passed away Monday, June 6, 2011 after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness. He was born March 7, 1931 in El Dorendo, Georgia to William and Fannie Burns. He served in the Florida Army National Guard and as a member of Hiland Park Baptist Church. Bill retired from Gulf Power Company in 1986 after 38 years of service. After retirement, he opened Burns Appliance Service and gave that special old fashioned service that made customers feel like friends. Bill was known for his quick wit, generosity, caring personality, and sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife (Marjorie Childs Burns) and twin infant boys. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Harper Burns; children, Billie Torres, Joel Flint Burns (Celena), Julie Sanders (Denny), Brian Burns (Sherry), Roy Lilja (Carla), Renee Johns (Martin); eight grandchildren, Brooke Mack, Kinley Sanders, Skylah Torres, Micah Torres, Brandon Burns, Ryan Lilja, Ragan Lilja, Hannah Johns; two great grandchildren, Alex Mack, Kily Mack; special cousin, Lorene Rigdon; and numerous other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 6 – 8 p.m. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Emerald Coast Hospice, 2925 Martin Luther King Blvd, Panama City, FL 32405.