William Henry Burke

William Henry Burke, 88, passed away May 28, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Born March 2, 1937 in Virgie, KY, he was a devoted husband to Alfreda and a loving father to Tim, Greg, & Barbie.

Bill was a hard worker and an excellent role model of good work ethic. He rarely missed a day as he worked 40 years and 1 week as a steelworker in Warren, OH. Bill enjoyed his retirement on Lake Murray in Prosperity, SC.

Bill was a champion canoe racer, training & racing for many years of his life and winning multitudes of local and national races. His competitive spirit also showed in the many bicycle road races and triathlons he entered. When it came to horseshoe pitching, he was hard to beat. Fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking and riding motorcycles were other hobbies he thoroughly enjoyed.

Vacations and camping were a priority and Bill drove the family across the US many times, visiting as many rivers and National Parks as possible. Enjoying the beauty of nature and the love of the outdoors lives strong in each of his children and his grandchildren.

Bill was proceeded in death by his wife of 38 years Alfreda Jean, his son William Lee, his father Charlie, mother Elsie, brothers Jimmy, Randy, Don, and sisters Janice, Margie Smith, & Barbara Ann.

He is survived and missed by his children Tim (Julie), Greg, and Barbie (Len); his grandchildren William (Hannah), Jackson (Rhea), and Camryn; and his great-grandchildren John, Redford & Alice. His memory also lives on with his sisters Evelyn Brewer and Sandy (John) Kish and his many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family is currently making plans for the services. Memorial contributions can be made to American Rivers (act.americanrivers.org) or the National Park Conservation Association (support.npca.org).

Dad was a lifelong lover of bluegrass music and ice cream. Please consider listening to some Bill Monroe or Ralph Stanley and enjoying some ice cream in his honor.