Billy "Bill" Ray Burke

The Lord called Billy (Bill) Ray Burke (73) of Ball Ground, GA home on April 2, 2026. Bill loved the Lord and lived a quiet life of faith that spoke volumes. He served many years as a deacon and Connect Group Leader as a member of Canton First Baptist Church. He loved to work outdoors, looking for any chance to use his chainsaw, and spent numerous happy days with the Properties Team working on the church campus.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Elnora Burke and his brother-in-law Jim Bates. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Donna Kay Burke, two sons, Justin Burke (Carol) of Acworth GA, and Joey Burke(Denise) of Chattanooga TN. Bill is also survived by his sister Vivian Bates of Woodstock GA, brother Gerald Burke (Paula) of Malvern AR, father-in-law Don Moody of Hot Springs AR, sister-in-law Vicky Moody of Savannah GA, brother-in-law Donald Moody (Paula) of Hot Springs AR, four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill fell in love with chemistry in High School which led him into a career in the nuclear power industry. After37 years of service, he retired from the Institute of Nuclear Power. During his lengthy career, Bill inspected the chemistry programs at most of the power plants in the United States as well as numerous chemistry programs in other countries. The programs he developed are still in use in many nuclear plants across the country.

He loved his family and loved them well. Bill was so proud of his sons’ becoming men of integrity and watching them grow in their love of the Lord and seeing the way they love and provide for their families. God gave him sons’ and blessed him again when Carol and Denise joined the family as his daughters. His greatest blessings were his grandchildren Amber Burke, Evan Burke, Emily Burke, and Jennifer Burke who he loved and cherished. The highlight of each year was time spent traveling with them showing and teaching them about this great nation.

Bill had lots of things that he enjoyed. Working on his farm was his happy place where he relished time basking in the beauty of God’s creation as well as driving his tractor. Fishing with his brother and brother-in-law and anyone else who wanted to spend a day on the water. Bill was a handy man at heart and loved serving others by working with his hands on any project. This world is a better place because Bill was here, and his family treasures the time they had with him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Canton First Baptist Church at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Burial will be in the Morning Star Cemetery in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with a graveside service at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canton First Baptist Church Debt Retirement Fund(cantonfirstbaptist.org/give) or by mail to: Canton First Baptist Church, 1 Mission Point, Canton, Georgia 30114.