Wilbur Dean Burris ( Chicken Man) peacefully went to be with the Lord at Fort Sanders Regional at the age of 80 years. He was born on June 22, 1944, to the late Roosevelt and Nora Burris in Knoxville, TN. He transitioned from this life on December 23, 2024. Wilbur was the youngest (undecided) of the last set of twins of ten.

From the time he was born, he never met a stranger. He was always welcoming, engaging, and willing to lend a helping hand. He was always full of joy and had an encouraging word from the Lord. He truly was a man of Faith and instilled this in his daily life. He loved studying God's word and was always prepared for Sunday school.

Wilbur graduated from Austin High School in 1964. There, he became interested in commercial cooking. He enjoyed making homemade gravy and rolls that melted in your mouth. His favorite meals consisted of Fried chicken, pinto beans, and barbecue ribs. Let's just say he loved to eat good food.

Wilbur gave his life to the Lord at an early age and was a faithful member of the  Church of God Sanctified, where he served as a Trustee, and was a choir member of Senior Choir No. 1, Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, and the Brotherhood choir. He also served on the transportation ministry and the church custodian. He volunteered at the local food pantry at St. Luke Church.

Wilbur was married to his beautiful wife, Shea Lenora Kaiser, on August 10, 1970, and to this union, God blessed them with two daughters, Lucresha and Theresa. He experienced a life-changing injury while employed at White Lily Flower Co. that led to his retirement and became a great part of his testimony.

Wilbur loved to sing. His favorite two songs were "Nothing but the Blood" and "Blessed Assurance." He always had something to say that would lift your spirits and leave you smiling.  He enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-in. Put Wilbur in a room, and his energy connected with those in earshot. Wilbur gave his all in life; he was our angel and a gift from God to all. 

He was preceded in death by his loved ones: his parents, Roosevelt and Nora Burris; his brothers, Carl Burris, Arthur Burris, and Thedore Burris; and his sister, Deanna Brabson.

He is survived by his loving wife (of 54 years), Shea Burris; devoted daughters, Lucresha Burris and  Minister Theresa Burris-McMahan of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Terionna Burris, Ga'Niyah McMahan and Amirykal McMahan all of Knoxville, TN Tawon Burris, LaMica Goines of Murfreesboro, TN ; great-grandson, Prince Ny'Heem Dean Burris; brothers, Marvin Burris, his twin William (Joyce) Burris of Knoxville, TN, Melvin Burris; sister, Rose Williams,  both of Cleveland, OH; sister in Law, Carolyn Burris of Atlanta, GA. Anna Glover; brother-in-law,  Bishop John (Shelia) Batts Jr, of Shelbyville, TN, Larry Batts, and Nathaniel Batts of Murfreesboro, TN; special son, Roderick Smith of Portsmouth, VA. 

A host of nieces, nephews, and relatives, Church of God Sanctified family, and friends too numerous to name.