Burrus Cooke Swayze Jr.'s Obituary
Burrus was born on January 15, 1944 in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Mrs. Virginia Harris Swayze and the late Dr. Burrus Cooke Swayze, LtCol USAF Ret. Burrus spent his early years in Raleigh before the family moved to Sanford, N.C. in 1949, where he attended the WB Wicker School, and where he was baptized at the First Baptist Church, Wall Street. In 1957, the family moved from Sanford to England as a result of his military father’s transfer orders. There, he attended Bushy Park High School for Military Dependents near London, England. After 3 years abroad, the family was transferred to Travis Air Force Base in California. Following his 1961 high school graduation from Armijo High School in Fairfield, C.A., Burrus set off on his own, remaining in the Bay Area for most of his adult life. There were a few instances when Burrus came back to the East Coast to live. In 1999, after retiring from the North Carolina Housing and Finance Agency, he had the opportunity to relocate back to his favorite place, the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoyed spending time and being actively engaged with his West Coast family, his tribe.
Burrus leaves an indelible print in all of our hearts, and will be remembered for many things …
Burrus will be remembered as a brother and a son. His siblings recall that he enjoyed his childhood in Sanford, N.C. playing outside for endless hours, walking the railroad tracks and daydreaming about where the tracks would lead, he enjoyed being a playful boy! After his Saturday chores were complete, Burrus was allowed to go to the movies, where he spent the whole day entranced by The Lone Ranger! He would often stay at the theater until he HAD to go home. Cowboy movies remained his favorite! He called them “Shoot-em-ups”. He really liked Juicy Fruit gum. He had a sly sense of humor. He would bake delicious batches of cookies and would offer his siblings to “have NONE?’. He loved comic books and spent most of his allowance on them. As a child, Burrus read MAD Magazine like it was a novel. He once got in big trouble for removing all the labels off the canned goods in the pantry and replacing them with food labels from Mad Magazine. For several months, every time a can was opened, it was a surprise!
Burrus will most notably be remembered for the love and pride he took in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He had deep relationships with each, all unique, and all incredibly special. “Pops,” as he was warmly referred to, was not only a father, but he was a friend and confidant to his three children. He excitedly participated in all family events and activities. His family held witness to his playfulness, and also his wicked sense of humor. He laughed easily. Pops adored his grandchildren and doted on his great grandchildren. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. If Pops had plans to visit with his great grands, he would always make a trip to the store to get specific treats that each one would enjoy. He knew the exact edible delights of each grand, and he delighted in providing them!
Burrus will be remembered as an incredible friend, and one that was easy to love. He created bonds that will last beyond his lifetime. As one friend says, he was very dignified, but he did have that bit of the “devil” in him. Burrus was mischievous at his core, loved a good prank, and loved a good laugh. He enjoyed outings, going on adventurous walks, and making late night phone calls. He maintained friendships across the U.S. and he treasured these friendships dearly.
Burrus is survived by: Three children – Burrus Cooke Swayze, III of San Leandro, CA; Shevette Swayze-Venters of Oakland, CA; and Jeanette Rene Swayze of Vallejo, CA. His mother – Mrs. Virginia Harris Swayze of Raleigh, NC Three siblings – John Thomas Swayze of Saudi Arabia; Rosalyn Swayze Ollison of Raleigh, NC; and Winnona Celestine Swayze of Raleigh, NC. Five grandchildren – Richard Eric Swayze, LaToya Powell, Whitney Redd, Jasmine Swayze, Korea Venters, Golden Venters IV, and Sanaa Swayze Four great grandchildren – Richard Eric Swayze, Jr., Je’Kaii Powell, Koron Swayze, Je’Lon Hart and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
At the moment of his passing, Burrus “Pops” Swayze, was surrounded by the love and presence of his three children, his son-in-law, Golden Venters III, and dear close family friend, Najah Lunsford.
We will pay tribute to Burrus’ life on Monday, September 16 at 11am at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611. In honor of one of Burrus’ favorite cuisines, a barbeque reception at Chapel of the Chimes will follow.
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