Adam (Tommy) Thomas Burris, 85, a lifelong resident of Old Fort, passed away, Friday January 30, 2009 in a healthcare facility.

He was a member of Blue Ridge Temple Baptist Church. He retired from Brown Stove Works after 34 years and worked part time with the Polk County Sheriff's Department for 15 years.

He was preceded in death by is wife of 50 years, Maxine (Jean) Ellis Burris; parents, George Mennon Burris and Gertrude (Gertie) Jenkins Burris; and sister, Stella (Tootsie) Collins.

He is survived by his sons: James Burris and wife, Linda of Old Fort and Benny Burris and wife, Becky of Athens; two sisters: Inez Crump and Gaynell (Totsie) Parker both of Delano and one brother, Woodrow Burris of Benton; four grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Melvin White and Reverend Jerry Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Dill Cemetery with Randy Silvers, Dennis Waters, Jason Waters, Victor McTaggart, Brandon McTaggart and Cecil Hardin serving as pallbearers.A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

His family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Burris family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.