William Oliver Burns, 97, of Lewisburg entered eternal rest on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025.
He was born Aug. 29, 1928, in Clintonville, Greenbrier County, WV, to the late Oliver N. and Laura Elizabeth Burns being the ninth of 11 brothers and sisters, all previously deceased.
The family moved to Lewisburg in 1933. W.O. was educated at Lewisburg Elementary School and graduated Lewisburg High School in 1948. He then joined the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Apprentice. He was honorably discharged in 1949.
He was a member of Lewisburg United Methodist Church and was a 50 year member of Greenbrier Masonic Bodies; Greenbrier Lodge No. 42 A.F. and A.M., Greenbrier Commandery No. 15 Knights Templar, Ronceverte Chapter No. 21 Royal Arch Masons and Greenbrier Valley Shrine Club.
In 1950 W. O. began his career with the then called State Roads Commission, now the Division of Highways, District 9 working on a survey crew. Enrolling in classes to continue his education, and working under mentor engineers, he passed the state board exam to become registered as a highway engineer with the Division of Highways.
In District 9, he held many positions; retiring in 1993 as the District Engineer. He was proud that in his 40 year working tenure, he remained on the same payroll. He loved his work. Outside of work he was an avid golfer and gardener.
- O. loved West Virginia, Greenbrier County, and Lewisburg. This was his “Life” place. W. O. Bill Junior, or Uncle Noonie – whatever name he had with his numerous nieces and nephews and many friends – is missed and leaves many cherished memories.
Bill will be laid to rest, with Masonic Rites, beside his only love of life, Dorothy Gail Surber “Butch” Burns of 50 plus years on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Life at Greenbrier Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 176 Deerfield Road, Lewisburg WV 24901. Speaker John Arbuckle will officiate the services. Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the service at the mausoleum.
For memorials, please consider a contribution to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1900 Richmond Rosd, Lexington, KY 40502-1204 or your local SPCA. These are two of the numerous charities William supported.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
