ERNEST E. BURSON
Ernest Elliott (Bullet) Burson was born July 26, 1932 to Ernest C. Pete and Mary Baker Burson in Strong, Arkansas and passed from this life on April 13, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, Ann Gathright Burson; and two infant children, Lewis Bryan and Angela Lee. He is survived by two sons, David Elliott Burson and John Mitchell Burson (Carrie) both of Strong, and one daughter, Lori LeAnne Hudman (Russell) of Mansfield, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Buck Mathews (Anne) of Waldron, Brandy Mathews Jeffrey (David) of Mansfield, Tory Burson, Taylor Burson (Callie), and Terra Kate Burson all of Strong, and four great grandchildren, Dallie Mathews, Emery and Ella Burson, and Ryker Stone; two brothers Jerry Burson (Sarah) and Mike Burson and one sister Dianne Ballard (Robert).
He graduated high school in 1950 and was a paid semi-pro baseball pitcher for the Bernice Lions. He was a possible major league pitcher candidate when the Korean War began. Elliott entered the US Navy in February, 1951 and served as a fireman on the Willis A. Lee until 1954. This is when he traveled to Alaska with a few close friends searching for his fortune. As that didn’t quite work out, Papaw Pete sent money for his return trip home. He married Ann Gathright April 30, 1955 and they raised their family in Strong. He retired from Georgia Pacific paper mill in Crossett after working as a pipe - fitter for 45 years. His greatest joys were keeping his wife happy, watching his grandchildren enter his living room door, fishing, and woodworking. He was a Papa that loved his family more than anything.
Graveside Services by Youngs Funeral Directors will be at 2 pm, Monday, April 16, 2018 at Strong Cemetery with Michael Martin and Robert Ballard officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 pm to 7 pm at Youngs Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to Teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, 401 Parker Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730 in honor of Elliott’s daughter Lori who is battling cancer or Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730.
An online registry is available at wwwyoungsfuneralhome.com.