It seems so unreal that you are gone, when just the other day
You walked and talked and laughed with us, then suddenly slipped away
Your peaceful smile, your joyful laugh, how sweet the memory still
Your parting left an aching void, only God’s love can fill.
Mr. Samuel James Burks, 47, affectionately called "Sam" was born on January 9, 1974 in Fontana, California and was the son of Olivia Steen Burks and the late Rex Earl Burks. He departed this life unexpectedly on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at his home in Statesville, NC.
Sam was a graduate of NewCastle High School, attended college for accounting, but later received his CDL License and traveled all 50 states.. At the time of his death, he was employed by SEFA Transportation as a truck driver. He was married to Charlene Cecilia “CeCe” Burks, who survives.
Sam leaves to cherish the memory of his life in addition to his loving wife, Charlene C. Burks of the home; his mother, Olivia S. Burks of NewCastle, OK; two children, Katisha Monique (Darnell) Stevenson and Jessica Nichole Morrow, both of Statesville; five grandchildren, Zavion Linney, Heaven Borders, Derome Borders Jr., Isaiah Stevenson and Jeremiah Stevenson; one brother, Tracy (Kari) Burks of NewCastle, OK; one sister, Charlene Catral of Winston-Salem; brothers-in-law, James McCombs of Salisbury, Terry Moss and Marcus (Angela) Moss, both of Statesville; sisters-in-law, Ann Carpenter of Charlotte, Jessica (Shawn) Whittenburg of Statesville and Tanisha Parks of Mocksville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
A million times I've needed you, A million times I've cried,
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
In life I loved you dearly; in death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a space, where no one can ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone
Because part of me went with you, The day God took you home.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Friday, April 9, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. Reverend Glenn J. Usry will officiate and burial will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.