Obituary of Joseph Christian Burroughs

Surrounded by his family, Joseph (Joe) Christian Burroughs, Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 13, 2020. The North Carolina native was born on July 2,1940 to parents Ralph and Evye Burroughs and was the baby of 13 children. He moved to Shreveport in 1954 and went on to graduate from Fair Park High School in 1957. He joined the Shreveport Fire Department in 1961 until retirement as a Captain in 1982. He was honored to serve his community and often talked about the memories made and relationships formed while being a fireman. After retiring from the fire department, he went on to have many successful business ventures in the Ark-La-Tex.

Everyone who came in contact with Joe was instantly drawn to him. He had a way to make each person feel special. He loved to travel to North Carolina to visit his extended family and never missed an opportunity to spend time with those he loved. Any time you spent with Dad, Papaw or Uncle Joe was sure to be a lasting memory. 

Joey distinctly remembers from a young age he always taught him the most important thing was to take care of his momma no matter the circumstances. He instilled in his sons to have a good work ethic. He preached to them this life is all about God, family and a good work ethic. Joey has fond memories of hunting, fishing and his dad making time for them to go to North Carolina to visit family. Until his very last breath, his dad taught him how to be a good son, dad and grandfather.

Bobby enjoyed their special times at the fire station when he put them in charge of raising the door when the alarm went off for their engine company.  He taught them all kinds of mechanics and to be particular in how you do things, keep things and how to present yourself to others with the utmost respect. Bobby enjoyed all the trips his dad made from Alabama to Louisiana because he always stopped at their house to stay the night. Bobby will miss his love and hugs. He admired all that his dad was and felt his dad’s hard work was a demonstration of his love for his family. 

His daughter-in-laws echo what Joe’s sons have experienced all along. Neci felt as though she was blessed with two dads. Joe always made her feel special and made a point to refer to her as his daughter. She was blessed to be at his bedside when he left this world to enter into his heavenly home. She noted that she has never known someone with as strong as faith as Joe. Family was of utmost importance to him and he was so important to all of us. Denise remembers losing her Dad in 2010 and how she thought no one could fill that void in her life, But God had a plan. He gave her Dad Joe. He was so giving to all he knew. She is so thankful for the love and time they shared.

The entire family has fond memories of their time with him. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gloria Burroughs, three children and their spouses, Joey Burroughs (Denise), Bobby Burroughs (Denise), Christy Denny (Chuck), three stepchildren and their spouses Bob Cox (Donna), Lindsey Cox (Melissa), Cheryl Guthrie (Will); one sister, Naomi Vaughn; grandchildren, Tonya Hilburn (Malcolm), Josh Burroughs (Caitlin), Hannah and Kayli Burroughs, Heather Long (Bud), Jessica Denny, TJ Denny (Julie), Skylar Cox, Jordan Cox (Sophie), Lucas Cox (Kaylee), Kalab and Ben Harris, Shelby Watts (Drew), Rachel and Robin Guthrie; great-grandchildren, Cavitt Hilburn, Conly Rose and Christian Burroughs, Jayden Cox, Emma and Lily Cox and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Joe certainly fought the good fight. His family finds peace and joy that he knew and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and friend. Now, go rest high on that mountain because your work on earth is done.