Ralph Davis Burks, beloved husband, father, and friend to many, peacefully passed away July 20, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 95.
Ralph was born on February 24, 1922 in Pilot Point, Texas to parents Doric Burks and Leta Davis Burks. He grew up in Howe, Texas, and graduated from Sherman High School in 1939. He always reminisced about growing up on the family farm in Howe and was very fond of this time in his life. At the age of 20, Ralph enlisted in the US Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and went on to pilot training in Ft. Stockton, Texas. He served as a B17 pilot in the United States Army Air Corps 8th Air Force. After his military service he enrolled at The University of Oklahoma in Norman and obtained a Degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Ralph spent the next 35 years employed by Mobil Oil Corporation in varied locations around the world including Louisiana, The Netherlands, Great Britain and Nigeria. He was married to Mary Joyce Robertson Burks for 53 years until her passing in 2007.
In 2006, Ralph and Mary moved from their residence in North Dallas to the Highland Springs Retirement Community, just a few miles up the road where they had cherished friendships, enjoyed traveling, and were active members of the Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church. Ralph was a pillar to all who knew him and was steadfast in his Christian faith.
He is survived by their two sons, Steve and Sam; their two daughters, and their spouses, Mary and Dan Hursin and Kathryn and John Cross.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday July 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, 3901 North Star Road, Richardson, Texas 75082.
The family truly appreciates the sympathy and love shown to them over the past weeks during this very difficult time, including the wonderful assistance provided by the staff at Highland Springs and VNA Hospice Care. Your kindness and warm affection has given them strength and peace.
The family requests that memorials be made to the charity of your choice.