Billy L. Burnham, Sr. age 82, of Wellborn, FL. passed away at Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center in Lake City.

Billy was a native of Hamilton County, Florida born on March 22, 1938 to the late Grover and Eliza Peterson Burnham. He is remembered fondly as an avid outdoorsman. At the ripe age of 17 he decided to join the armed services. He and his mother traveled to Jacksonville to sign up and given the fact that the Naval representative was out, he had the opportunity to  join the Coast Guard instead. He chose the "Uniform", yes the uniform. Billy thought that the uniform of the United States Coast Guard would look good on him and  he was a handsome man in uniform. The Coast Guard took he and his family to locations too numerous to recall. His children got plenty of geography lessons thanks to Bill's time in service. After 22 plus years with the Coast Guard he retired and made fishing and family a priority. He was employed for several years at Occidental/PCS before completely dedicating his life to retirement, children and grandchildren. Billy was one of seven born to Grover and Eliza. Sadly he saw five of them buried, sister, Hazel McCoy and brothers, Maxie Burnham, Ronald Burnham, Howard Burnham and Dub Burnham. Billy was also predeceased by his son, Billy L. Burnham, Jr.

Survivors include his daughter, Debi Bennefield and her husband Patrick of Lake City, FL.; his daughter-in-law, Vickie Burnham; one brother, Doodle Bug Burnham of Jennings, FL.; seven grandchildren, Kenneth Burnham, Aaron Bennefield, Brandon Bennefield (Alyssa), Devin Burnham (Daniel), Cody Burnham (Staci), Cameron Bennefield and Eliza Burnham; eight great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews and his former wife and forever friend, Judy Davis also survive him.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at Wayfare Cemetery in Echols County.

in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Haven Hospice 6397 West US Hwy 90 Lake City, FL. 32055.