Charles R. Burks

Charles R. Burks, 77, passed away Monday, October 10, 2016. He was born January 11, 1939, in Benton to the late C.R. (Charlie) and Etta Burks. He was chosen to play in the second Arkansas All-Star Football game in 1957 and continued his football career at Paris Junior College in Texas. He was a Navy veteran and worked at the U.S. Postal Service in Benton for 34 years. Charles loved the outdoors, golf, fishing, the Razorbacks and yard work. He loved his wife, children and grandchildren and was a wonderful husband, dad and grandfather. He was a founder and president of Future Panthers Football and Basketball and spent many hours coaching all his kids' sports teams. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Gale Burks, an infant son, Charles Patrick Burks, his parents, two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by two sons and a daughter, Dennis (Nancy) Burks of Jonesboro, David (Scarlett) Burks of Little Rock and Robin (James) Garrett of Benton; eight grandchildren, Hope, Luke (Jennifer) and Rebecca Burks, Matt and Ryan Garrett, Noah, Jackson and Lilly Burks; and three sisters, Burla Love of Hot Springs, Dorothy Newport and Marie Kidd of Jacksonville. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren and very special son-in-law, James Garrett. Honorary pallbearers are his long-time friends Chubb Adams, Lewis Greer, Bill McMahan, Ross Reeves and Bob Tarver. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 12, 6-8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held Thursday, October 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. You may leave condolences for the family at benton.smithfamilycares.com.