Mr. Donald Ray Burks II

BURKS II, Mr. Donald Ray - Age 31, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Hurley Medical Center. Family hour 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2016 at International Inspirational Gospel Ministries (formerly know as 3:16), 2901 Brown Street, with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Donald Stevens officiating. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00 a.m. Friday. Interment Sunset Hills Association, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Mr. Burks will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., and may be viewed from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday. On July 4, 1984, while everyone anxiously awaited a fireworks show, the world was blessed with Donald Ray Burks II. In true Donald fashion, he waited to come into the world on one of the most celebrated days of the year and we should have known then to expect spectacular things from him. He was born to Joann (White) Burks and Donald Burks Sr. He was affectionately known as June, Don, Duck or Dirty too many, but surely loved by all that knew him. After the passing of his father, Donald was raised by his mother Joann and big sister Bridget. They became the three musketeers and a team that worked through everything together. Donald was born in Lansing, MI and grew up in Grand Blanc, MI, and attended Grand Blanc High School where he graduated in 2002. During his time at Grand Blanc High School, he made many lasting friendships, even friends that eventually became family. Grand Blanc High School was also his older sister Bridget's alma mater and he became friends with several of her friends and their younger siblings. Donald and Bridget were often inseparable. Chances are if you knew one of them, you knew the other, or at least knew of them. The two had a very special bond that will continue on forever. In 2007, Donald was diagnosed with kidney failure. Not surprisingly, his sister Bridget donated a kidney to him, which strengthened their already unbreakable bond. Unfortunately, his donated kidney failed him and he had to continue on with dialysis treatments. His treatments limited him in the things he was able to do and slightly altered his appearance. Through all of this, Donald rarely complained, but deep down just yearned to just be "normal." He fought his illness with all of the strength and determination he possibly could and kept a smile on his face all while doing it. His memory will live on in all of our hearts and he will be remembered as a hero to those who loved him. He was known for acts of selflessness and wisdom far beyond his years. Rather than worrying about himself, Donald was more concerned about how his illness may impact his family and friends. Though we all feel his time here was too short, he made a lasting impact on many of us. Donald loved music, bowling, going out on the lake, tailgating at U of M games, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He was often the life the party and kept everyone laughing. He had an infectious spirit and contagious smile. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, I am sure you can agree that he was one of the most genuine people you have ever known. He would without question give someone the shirt off of his back, regardless of what was going on in his own world. Despite anything personal going on, Donald believed in living life to the fullest and did exactly that. We have lost a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Sprint Wireless lost a valuable employee and Little Caesars and Halo Burger a loyal customer. He was the kind of young man that anyone would be proud to know and he leaves behind shoes to fill that most of us could not fill on our best day. On December 29th, 2015, after a long, but courageously fought battle with kidney failure, Donald left this earth to rest peacefully in Heaven. When you think of Donald, please do not be sad - he fulfilled his purpose here and is no longer in pain. Remember him for his love of life, his love for those around him and his faith in God. Celebrate him in your memories and continue to tell stories about him and live as he would want us to and as he did... to the fullest. He was an extraordinary young man and truly one of the greats and his spirit will live on through all of us. After all, the most beautiful things in life never last as long we would like: roses, snow and even fireworks. He may be gone from our sight, but his memory shall remain eternally. Life is like fireworks, you can either both close your eyes and be afraid, or you can open them and enjoy the view. Rest easy Donald and enjoy the view!! Mr. Donald Ray Burks II is survived by: mother, Joann Burks; grandfather, Ruben Burks of Flint; sister, Bridget Burks of Davison, MI; 6 aunts, Beverly Burks and Debbie (Lionel) Bell, both of Grand Blanc, MI, Jeffie (Willie) Johnson of Houston, TX, Betty White of Flint, Cookie Carter of Fort Wayne, IN and Mary Cox of Frisco, TX; 8 uncles, Michael (Rose), Gary and Joseph White, Clifford (Barbara) Burks, and Dr. Michael Young, all of Flint, Dr. Larry (Carol) Young of Grand Blanc, MI, Gary Burks of Los Angeles, CA, and Aaron (Sheila) White of Orlando, FL; a host of cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Burks was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Burks, Sr.; brother, Dondrick; grandparents, Henry & Willie (Granny) White and Mattie (Dear-Dear) Burks; aunt, Cynthia Burks; uncles, Henry (Junebug) White Jr., Donald White and Richard Burks. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Osama and Dr. Khan at Hurley Medical Center and the staff at DaVita Flint Dialysis Center with special thanks to extended families: the Samuels, Spottsville, and Stevens families.

Mr. Donald Ray Burks II

July 4, 1984 - December 29, 2015