Mr. William Marshall Burns

BURNS, Mr. William Marshall - Age 66, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at McLaren - Flint. There will be no public viewing. William Marshall Burns was born and grew up in Flint, Michigan on September 24, 1953 to the union of Attorney Marshall Shelby Burns Jr. and Blanche Marie (Coleman) Burns. He attended Flint Community Schools graduating with the Southwestern High School class of 1971. William then attended the Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri where he participated on the basketball and golf teams. He graduated with the class of 1974. William then attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. William relocated to Lansing, Michigan and was employed in security for the State of Michigan and then went on to work for and retire from the General Motors/Lansing Division. William was introduced to Neysa Hodges by his cousin Jackie. He married his wife Neysa Hodges Burns of 34 years and relocated back to Flint. To this union was born daughter Rachel Allison Burns, who was the light of his life. William was a parent participant/chaperone to all of her activities (soccer, basketball, chess, tennis, quiz bowl, Flint Youth Symphony, theater and many more). He delighted in seeing her on ‘Jeopardy!’ William was an avid golfer and enjoyed wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. He loved sports especially the Detroit Tigers, spring training in Florida and the University of Michigan. He was also an avid coin collector. He was a member of the Foss Avenue Baptist Church, Reginald Flynn, Pastor and UAW Local 652. The last few years had been difficult for William health wise, but he soldiered on. He leaves to treasure his memory devoted wife Neysa Hodges Burns, daughter Rachel Allison Burns of East Lansing, Michigan, brother Brian Marshall Burns of Fort Myers, Florida, uncle Kenneth (DelTonya) Burns of Flushing, Michigan, aunts Carolyn (Eugene) Smith of Florida, and Geraldine Coleman of Lansing Michigan, god son Jalen Robert Hodges Jr, sister in law Carol (Deacon Emerson) Boles of Idlewild, Michigan, and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Blanche Burns Jr., beloved grandparents George and Nancy Coleman, Marshall and Ann Burns Sr. and Fairybelle Burns great grandparents (great grandmother Mabel Hancock), father and mother in law Deacon John and Deaconess Julia Hodges, aunts, uncles, in-laws, cousins, and friends. William loved life and loved his vast family. He especially loved his wife and daughter. He was a wonderful husband and father. He is sorely missed. Thank you to the CCU Unit at McLaren Hospital and to DaVita Dialysis Burton. Thank you to all who offered condolences and prayers. Due to circumstances a memorial for William will be held at a later date.

Mr. William Marshall Burns

September 24, 1953 - April 21, 2020