Philip G. Burrows, Sr.
Philip Gilchrist Burrows, Sr. of Youngsville, NC went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the age of 86. Phil passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Sherry, and their children and grandchildren by his side. Phil was born in Detroit, MI on September 10, 1934 to father Claude Holloway Burrows and mother Zelma Feagan (Trottie) Burrows. He was the older brother to LeRoy Burrows.
During his earlier years, he attended school in Silver Springs, MD, and Alexandria, VA. While at George Washington High School, he participated in the Junior ROTC program, was on the rowing team, and worked as a newspaper delivery boy and an usher at the local movie theater. Following his schooling years, he began his Post Office career in Alexandria, VA. He then went on to serve in the US Army initially at Fort Rucker, AL, maintaining helicopters. Phil then joined the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper infantryman and received ski-troop training in Alaska. After his military service, he returned to the Post Office where he retired after 30+ years. Phil was an active member in the Alexandria Jaycees and received the Exhausted Rooster Award. He enjoyed being a ballroom dancing instructor at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Washington, D.C. He was an avid skier and member of the Washington, D.C. Ski Club. Phil was a high school football referee and in his later years, enjoyed coaching soccer for his kids and playing golf.
Phil and Sherry were married on March 1, 1975 in Herndon, VA. On February 29, 1976 Phil accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He became active in the church, serving as a Deacon and an Usher, was a member of Promise Keepers, and led various support and enrichment groups.
He is survived by his wife Sherry Leigh (Barker) Burrows; children Philip Gilchrist Burrows, Jr., wife Emily Horner, Matthew Lawrence Burrows, wife Maria Burrows, Heather Dawn Elizabeth (Burrows) Reese, husband Chuck Reese; grandchildren Olivia Simmons, Cierra Garcia-Burrows, Greyson Simmons, Jacob Taylor, Naomi Taylor, and brother LeRoy Burrows, wife Audrey Burrows, and nieces and nephews.
Visitation with family is planned for Thursday, January 14, 2021, from 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm at Faith Baptist Church, 249 Holden Road, Youngsville, NC. Immediately following the visitation, at 2 p.m. there will be a service to celebrate Phil's life at the same location. Military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post 52. The graveside service will take place at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens in Wake Forest.
Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.
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