Major Harry Harrison Burks

Major Harry Harrison Burks, USAF (Ret), 76, a resident of Kennesaw, Georgia passed peacefully on April 20, 2025 surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Anneliese Burks. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carmen M Burks; son William A Burks; daughter Anneliese Burks Shoemaker (Hal) of Smyrna, Georgia; grandchildren, Anneliese Burks Brown, Brandon M Shoemaker and Kristen R Shoemaker.

Major Burks was born in Welch, West Virginia on July 6, 1948, graduated class of 1966 from Gambrills Senior High School, Gambrills, MD. After graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force where he completed basic military training at Lackland AF Base in San Antonio, TX. During his military service he obtained a B.S. in Management in 1977 and Master of Science in Management in 1979 and completed Officers Training School in September of 1979.

Major Burks’ career included roles in purchasing, procurement, and contracts administration, as well as more than 1300 hours of combat air operations as a radio operator on C130s during the Vietnam War. In addition to being stationed at various USAF bases around the globe, he was stationed at the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain for 9 years.

Major Burks is considered a “Mustang” in the military community and served over half of his 26.5 year military service overseas, with most of it being in Spain. The US Air Force recognized him with military decorations and awards including the Air Force Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

Major Burks enjoyed traveling and being around his family and friends. He was an avid golfer and was so proud to make his first hole in one on Jan 9, 2007 at the City Course, Marietta, GA, Hole #17, Par 3, 125 yards, 9 iron.

At a private ceremony, Major Burks will be interred at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. April 30, 2025.