It is with great sadness we share that Bryson Burks gained his wings, December 18, 2023, just hours before his 20th birthday on December 19, 2023.
Bryson was born in Tupelo, Mississippi to Chris Johnson Burks and the late Brett Burks. At a young age, Bryson was baptized by his faith at North Star Church in Saltillo, Mississippi by Bro. T. A natural born leader, he was the President of his 5th grade class.
In his early years, he enjoyed playing baseball, football, soccer, basketball, and tennis. Bryson loved anything outdoors, hunting, camping, kayaking and white white-water rafting. He enjoyed the back roads of Mississippi, riding in his topless jeep listening and singing to loud music. Bryson loved his dogs, Lucky, Chloe, and Willie Nelson.
Once Bryson was in high school, he made a decision to focus his sports abilities on baseball as a catcher and first baseman, and football as a tight end and center. Academically he was very gifted and was a member of the National Honor Society, County Court Judge in the State of Texas for Youth and Government, the President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Homecoming Court and was a member of FISH.
As a 2023 graduate of Central High School in Keller, Texas, he received the following graduation cords for special honors: Cord of Courage, Baseball, Charger Champion, Community Leaders of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Youth and Government, Governor of the State of Texas for Youth and Government, Southlake Teen Court Attorney, GPA above 4.0, Fellowship of Christian Athletes; and Honors medals for Skills USA Law pathway, and Skills USA Law enforcement. He received a cord and stole for the National Honor Society.
Bryson was the Founder and CEO of Kidney Head, a non-profit organization which was inspired by the illness and passing of his father, Brett Burks, 9 years ago. He was an advocate and raised awareness for organ donation, organ transplants, and kidney disease in 44 countries and majority of the United States.
Bryson was awarded a full academic scholarship to Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas and enrolled in the Honors Academy. He was a rare dual sport collegiate athlete playing both football and baseball.
He was the Vice President of Student Government, the Leader for mock trial and mute court, the youngest member of Kiwanis Club. Dual major in Political Science and Pre-Law, he was on track to becoming a sought-after attorney, a judge, or perhaps as his mentors believed even possibly the Governor of Texas!
In addition to all his involvement in school activities he worked with the grounds crew at Howard Payne University and enjoyed working at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
As the gregarious and outgoing young man he was, Bryson was adored by all who knew him. More than all of his accomplishments, Bryson will forever hold a place in our hearts as a star that shined extra bright, with a smile as big as Texas, a heart even bigger, and the wit, intellect, and wisdom that only a select few in this world are gifted. He was a child of God, an athlete, a scholar, a hunter, a philanthropist, an adventure-lover, a wonderful friend, and a loving and gracious son who loved his mom and dad with all his heart.
Bryson is survived by his best friend and biggest fan, his mom, Chris Johnson Burks.
He is also survived by his grandparents, Ronnie and Trish Johnson. There was nothing more special to Papaw and Mimi than being involved in whatever was important to Bryson.
He is also survived by his uncle, aunt and cousins, Gerald and Kathy Bennett, Will Bennett and Wade Bennett; and a very special friend, Hannah Hildner.
Losing a child is one of the greatest heartbreaks a person can endure. We are in complete shock and devastation of his passing. Between the pressures of individual grief, and the countless challenges associated with his loss, we, his family and friends, have created a GoFundMe. For those who would like to contribute. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/bryson-burks/donate)
We turn to you, our community, for your kindness, prayers, and generosity. For some of you, financial contributions may not be feasible, your love, presence and prayers are equally valuable in helping Chris Burks and her family during this time.
More than anything, please honor Bryson’s life by being kind to one another—for you may never know the battle someone may be fighting.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental or emotional health, please reach out. “With help, comes hope.” 1-800-273-8255 or simply dial 988 #youmatter
Isaiah 41:10, Bryson’s favorite Bible passage, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Visitation will be 4 until 7 pm Thursday, December 28, 2023 at East Heights Baptist Church.
Services celebrating Bryson’s life will be 11 am Friday, December 29, 2023 at East Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Ledbetter officiating. Graveside services will be in Keyes Cemetery. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Brant Wilson, Chase Pankey, Connor Hinton, Zack McDivitt, Hunter Franks, and Colter Sells.
