Xavier Tyrese Burum graced the world with his presence on March 14, 2002. He was born in Oak Ridge, TN to Annitrice Strickland and Justin Burum.  Sadly, on March 23, 2026, at the age of 24 God lovingly took his hand and led him home, leaving behind a legacy of love and unforgettable memories in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.  He was preceded in death by his grandfathers; Babe Ruth Pruitt, Jr and James Lynn Saffell; paternal great-grandmother Wilma Jean Burum and maternal great-grandparents Willie and Kattie Lou Strickland.

Xavier attended Oak Valley Baptist Church with his family and participated in several youth activities.  He also attended Wednesday night Bible Study at High Places Church where he continued to develop his relationship with Christ.

Xavier had a smile that could make you forget why you were mad.  He was so full of life and he never met a stranger.  He was a 2020 graduate of Oak Ridge High School and was enrolled at Roane State Community College majoring in Business Management with a concentration in Project Management.  In his spare time, he liked to play basketball, play his game or skip off to California when he could. 

Xavier will always be remembered for his infectious laugh that could bring joy to anyone’s day, along with a bright smile that radiated warmth and comfort.  His kind heart touched the lives of everyone he met, leaving a lasting impact on his friends and family.  As we navigate the pain of his loss, we will truly miss the happiness he brought into the family.  The memories of his laughter and love will forever echo in our hearts, a constant reminder of the beautiful spirit he was.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving mother and father Annitrice Strickland and Justin (Jennifer) Burum; brothers Jeremiah Strickland, Marcus Green and Jaylen Burum; sisters Keziah Strickland, Nakiya and Aubri Burum; grandmothers Virginia Strickland, Marguerita “Margo” Burum; great-grandparents William (Faye) Curd; Aunts Dorothye Patterson, Karen Holmes, Chantell Burum, Donna (Chris) Marsh,  and Ashley Saffell; uncles Marvis Strickland, Christopher (Amberly) Burum, Eric Burum and Willie Strickland, Jr.; godmothers Cassandra Harris-Stevens and Valeria Roberson; special cousins Dimitri Strickland, Dimitria Strickland, Jada Guinn, Mykel Slater, Willa Strickland, Malik Strickland, Kendra Holmes and Ra'Niciyana, Ra'Ziya and Rick Grate, Jr. And a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives and friends.