Mr. William Burnes

        On Thursday, September 19, 2024 William Burnes (affectionately known as Bill) took his flight from this earthly life. William was born to the late Genniar Patterson Burnes and Niel Archie McCrae on July 26, 1936. He was raised on the farm in Fairmont, North Carolina with his grandparents, the late Henry Patterson and Martha Ann Worley Patterson along with his brothers, Bennie, Lucious, and James (Pop) Burnes.

     On May 3, 1953, he married Threatha Patterson in Dillion, South Carolina, from this union they were blessed with Wiilliam Edward, Walter Lawrence (Anita), and Althea (Michael). They went to New York for better opportunities and worked in various domestic jobs. In 1956 he went to work at the estate of William Black, the owner of Chock Full of Nuts Coffee in Premium Point, New York, Mr. Black gifted him a limousine and, he started his limousine service. He drove for many socialites. He purchased a house in Westbury, New York and, moved his family there in 1960. In 1964 he met Antonia Vargas and Josie Vargas (adopted daughter), from that union Debbie Burnes-Vargas was born. In 1966 Matthew Cribbs-Burnes (Nella) was born, Leandro Burnes (Christina), Julia Burnes, and Jay Burnes was born shortly after. He has ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The Grahams, Worley, Powells, Patterson, Burnes, Blues, and McCrae, you are family, Louise, Tee-Tee, Felicia, and Felix you are loved.

     Bill resided in New York City before returning to Fairmont, North Carolina. While in New York he was an entrepreneur and traveled to many continents such as Africa and Germany, in which he loved. He had the gift of gab that helped him propel his many business endeavors. Bill was personable, easy to talk to, and loved by many. He often spoke of his children with a sense of pride and marveled at their many accomplishments.

     Special thanks to Ruth Curtis, his long-time partner. Clarita Burnes we honor you for being a great mother to Lee and friend to all of us.. Thank you, Christina Jordan, thank you for being a special friend to dad. Antonio Vargas-Burnes and a long-time companion to dad, we miss and love you. Tony kept dad company- both gone but not forgotten.

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