Jerry Burris

Jerry Lee Burris, 69 years of age, passed away Monday, October 20, 2014 at W. G. Hefner (VA Medical Center) in Salisbury. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, Vietnam veteran, bargain hunter, artist, fried chicken connoisseur, card shark, maker of the best blue cheese dressing ever, left us presumably in search of "something new, exciting and delicious."

Jerry was born September 25, 1945 in Stanly County, and was preceded in death by his father, JD Burris; his mother, Helen Tucker Ritchie; his infant brother, Johnnie Burris; and his own left leg (of which he liked to joke, "I already have one foot in the grave.")

Jerry battled health issues of almost cartoonish proportions. You name it, he had it. If it was supposed to work, it didn't.

Despite myriad health challenges, he always kept a positive attitude, and helped others do the same. He was kind and generous, giving you the shirt off his back, or at least his wife's antique spoon collection. (He had a habit of gifting things around the house.)

He liked to keep candy in his pocket to hand out, despite the protests of family that it was sketchy. His friendship came without judgment or any strings attached. He made friends wherever he went. If he couldn't charm you, then you probably aren't worth knowing.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Shelia Moberly Burris, whom he called Maxie, and has loved since third grade. He leaves behind his daughter, Misty Burris Bruch, whom, albeit less sociable, is every bit as weird as he was, and also has the family nose. His son in law, Brent Lane Bruch, whom he loved as his own, and called his best friend, despite never letting him have Krispy Kreme. One grandson, Brandon Lee Bruch, whom he cherished and called his favorite.

He also leaves behind sister Katrina Lefler Hathcock, and her husband, Joel Hathcock whom he loved like a brother; and a sister, Linda Burris Smith.

Jerry was not afraid to express his feelings, and his affection was given freely. He made sure that those he loved knew that they were loved.

Jerry loved fatback, oyster stew, Duke's mayonnaise flop over sandwiches, soft scrambled eggs, dim sum, potted meat, popcorn, inexplicably canned macaroni and cheese, as well as anything that was dietarily restricted. The more forbidden it was, the better it tasted.

He loved dancing, thrift shopping and Elizabeth Taylor. He enjoyed The Price is Right and Hell on Wheels, which he referred to as "the train show."

Jerry was not one to hold a grudge; he felt that holding on to anger was just a waste of time. He had strong opinions, mostly food related. He disliked over-cooked hamburgers, and refused to eat chicken breasts and cumin.

It is a rare gift to navigate the hardships in this life and still retain such a sunny outlook, but Jerry found humor even in times of despair. He never lost his childlike exuberance; he genuinely loved life and found happiness everywhere, and brightened the lives of all who knew him. To say that he will be missed is an understatement of epic proportions. If he taught us anything, it was to live each day to its fullest; that kindness has no limits; and make sure your loved ones know how you treasure them.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 12 Noon - 2:00 pm at Little Tokyo Lounge, 1446 Hwy 52 N. in Albemarle.

Memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 4701 Hedgemore Dr., Suite 810, Charlotte, NC 28209; American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312; Disabled American Veterans (Stanly County Chapter 12), PO Box 112, Albemarle, NC 28002; or Spay Neuter of Charlotte, 2017 N. Davidson St, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28205.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Burris family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com