William "Buddy" Burke

William Anthony “Buddy” Burke, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at his residence in Clemmons, NC after years of declining health.  He was born in Forsyth County to Aaron David Burke and Lela Fulk Burke on February 4, 1937.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and seven brothers.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 67 years, Betty Barney Burke.  They were blessed with a son, Randall Anthony Burke of Charlotte, and daughter, Robin Burke Hutchens (Robert) of Kernersville, as well as three grandchildren, Bethany Hutchens Mitchell (Michael) and Hannah Hutchens Saunders (Zachary), both of Kernersville, and Samuel Polite Burke of Raleigh.  He is also survived by former daughter-in-law Lori Marie Polite of Charlotte, three great-grandchildren, Carter Hayes Mitchell, Henry Anthony Mitchell, and Abigail Jane Mitchell, all of Kernersville, as well as several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Burke retired from the City of Winston-Salem in 1993 as the Assistant Director of Revenue after 30 years of service. He also worked with the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) since the early 1980s in the Church Slo-Pitch Softball Division and served as State Church Director and then National Church Director.  Mr. Burke won various awards for his work and was inducted into the USSSA Hall of Fame in the Director Category in 1996.  Mr. Burke was a faithful member of Center Grove Baptist Church in Clemmons and served in various capacities, including deacon and usher, as long as his health permitted.  A private service will be held at a later date by his son-in-law, Pastor Robert Hutchens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center Grove Church Children’s Ministry, 8750 Lasater Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012, or to Faith and Family Baptist Church Youth Building Fund, 105 Nathan Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.