WHITE STONE—William James “Bill” Burke, 76, of White Stone passed away peacefully at Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock on March 17, 2026, with loved ones by his side.
Born on October 4, 1949, Bill was the son of John Joseph Burke and Bertha Adele Burke.
Bill lived a life defined by laughter, friendship and an easygoing spirit that drew people in wherever he went. He was the kind of person who could light up a room without trying, always ready with a story, humor, or a cold drink. Bill was unapologetically himself, with an infectious energy that touched everyone around him.
A loving partner, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, Bill took great pride in his family and the time they shared together. Some of Bill’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by friends and good conversation at “Croaker Point Yacht and Country Club” on Antipoison Creek. His faithful shadow and dog, Ben, was always nearby; Bill’s never-ending pocket of treats earned him the title of “Treat Man” to dogs everywhere.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His memory lives on in the stories shared, the laughter he brought, and his spunk for life.
Bill carried a quiet but steady faith that guided his life. It was reflected in the way he treated others– with kindness, generosity and an open heart. He is now at peace, resting with his Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bill attended Bluefield College and received a bachelor’s from Virginia Commonwealth University and continued his education with graduate classes at Gonzaga University. He made his career in the shipping industry working for Maersk Line in New York, Charleston and Norfolk, eventually operating his company Nelson International in Portsmouth. Upon leaving the shipping industry to return to his childhood home in White Stone, he worked at Lancaster Landing and Omega Protein prior to his retirement.
Bill is survived by his partner, Kim Lux; daughters, Sarah Burke Smith (Bart) and Erin Burke Amerson (Billy); bonus children, Jeremy Lux (Reagan) and Emily Lux; grandchildren, Coleman, Ryan Grace and Burke Smith, Ireland and Blake Amerson; bonus grandchildren, Sutton, Kai and Cannon Lux; brothers, Peter Burke (Nancy) and Francis “Frank” Burke (Carol); sisters, Catherine Withers and Dorothy “Dottie” Clark; and many nieces, nephews and friends considered family.
He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, John Joseph Burke Jr. and Martin Thomas Burke.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to honor and remember him in the way he would have wanted—together.
In lieu of flowers, Bill would ask that any contributions be made to The Animal Welfare League Inc., 75 South Main Street, Kilmarnock, VA, mail to P. O. Box 975 White Stone, VA 22578.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
