William Edward "Billy Ed" Burley, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008, at his home in West Monroe, LA
Billy Ed was born August 30, 1942 in El Dorado, Arkansas, to W.C. "Bill" Burley and Dorothy Louise (Billingley) Burley. As a child he spent a great deal of time with his grandparents, William Paul Burley and Emma Mabel Burley, whom he adored.
Billy Ed loved boxing and spent several years boxing for the El Dorado Boxing Club in his teens and twenties. When he was 17, he fought the State Champion of Arkansas and knocked him out in the first 1:35 of the first round. Billy Ed loved being in the ring and he enjoyed reflecting on those days for the rest of his life.
He has a great love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He loved being on the water and spent a lot of time cruising the Ouachita River. Billy Ed also enjoyed gardening and kept all of friend's pantries full with his vegetables. He passed on the love of gardening to his children.
His most precious possessions were his children. Billy Ed is survived by his three girls, Marlu McElhany and her husband Steve McElhany of Republic, MO, Briana Taylor and her husband Dustin Taylor of Ashdown, AR and Amber Hommel and her husband Kyle Hommel of Wrangell, AK. He is survived by four grandchildren, Sawyer McElhany of Republic, MO, Dalton Taylor of Ashdown, AR, Darian Burley of Wrangell, Akand Kyle Hommell of Wrangell, AK. He is survived by his step mother, Betty Jane (Burley) Rhyan of El Dorado. He is also survived by his sisters, Dixie Melancon and husband Charles of West Monroe, LA, Cindy Barnica and husband Lynn of Winslow, AR and Cathie Fincher and husband Richard of Monroe, LA. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. Burley and his mother, Dorothy Lousie (Billingley) Malone.
Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Young's. A graveside service will be Monday at 3:00 PM at Rest Haven Memorial Garden with Father Charles Chapman officiating. Services are under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any Hospice organization or the American Cancer Society. |