William ‘Hugh’ Burk, widely considered to be the best husband/father/grandfather that has ever existed, passed away peacefully in his home on Feb. 28, 2018 in Forney, Texas, surrounded by loving family.

Hugh was born Nov. 23, 1929, in Rome, Georgia, to Leo E. Burk and Sarah Moore. His years growing up during the Great Depression may have contributed to his attitude towards life — do your best, never quit, keep learning and be kind. Hugh graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Chemistry, served his country in the Korean War and was an amateur race car driver (before the kids). He built his home outside Demopolis, pretty much by himself, was an avid gardener and accomplished craftsman. Hugh worked at Gulf States Paper for 25 years, was active in the Boy Scouts and built a computer from scratch back in the 80s that he programmed in hexadecimal. He enjoyed a cold beer with hot wings, beach fishing at Port St. Joe, Florida (with a cold beer), and tailgating with friends in Athens, Georga (likely with bourbon). He loved his family, his friends and his dogs very much.

Hugh is survived by his two sons: John William Burk and his wife Bonnie of Forney and David Hughes Burk and his wife Lisa of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and seven grandchildren: Aaron Burk, Devin Burk, Elayna Burk, Madison Gage, Haley Bains and William and Margaret Burk.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years: Martha Evelyn – an event from which he never fully recovered; his brother, James; and his two sisters, Betty Burk and Louise Acree.

The family will hold an inurnment at DFW National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials in Hugh’s name can be made to the US Department of Veterans Affairs at https://www.volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/.