Widely held to be a great actor by his peers in the industry, he was in his own personal way one of the greatest entertainers of the 20^th century. Those of us who witnessed his performances along aside  Ruby Dee, Michael Douglas, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ernie Hudson, Michael Learned, Michole Briana White and many more accomplished performers still ponder how the Oscar eluded him. 

During a show business career that spanned more than 30 years and comprised television, film and stage productions, Willis Burks affectionately called “Bubba” by his friends and family in Alabama and abroad stood as a singular mirror of the American supporting actor. As a man he was also known as “Fox”, “Will” and “Papa”. 

On a deeper level, Willis Burks II career and public image touched many lives. For the millions of people who watched him on television or in movies they all knew that they had witnessed greatness in each of his performances. And more than most entertainers, he remained humble. He managed to stay out of the National Enquirer. He knew how to behave. He didn’t chase behind other Hollywood stars. He didn’t frequent Hollywood parties. He didn’t spend his fortune on fancy cars and Beverly Hills mansions. Instead this Hollywood great spent his time and fortune on family and friends. 

His greatness as a human being went far beyond his excellence as an actor; he was a great family man. He leaves to cherish his memories many friends and family members to include four precious children and nine grandchildren: Willis Burks III of Minneapolis, MN, Amy Burks-Jones (Fred) of Fairfield, Al., Europe A. Burks of Minneapolis, MN and Jessiah C. Styles (Janita) of Camden, N.J.; grandchildren: Nashique, Korian, Jasauna, Paige, Tru, Emmanuel, Adonai, Alonza, and Jacodi.

 In the words of my dad, “You must honor the chair whether it is sitting, walking or lying down.”