HOWARD H. BURRIS
1922-2007
Howard H. Burris, age 85 of Milton, passed away peacefully in his home on April 27, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was the founder and owner of Hom/Ade Foods, Inc. for 23 years. Hom/Ade produced the Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits; named for his late wife Mary Burris who died in 1996. Born in Russellville, AR. On March 25, 1922, Mr. Burris had resided in the Pensacola area since 1941. Mr. Burris was a very generous and community minded person, having helped many people, and also donating land and buildings in 2006 for the New Kids House in Milton to be named in memory of his wife of 47 years. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Pace and a member of the Milton Lions Club. He was dedicated to family, friends and country. Everyone that knew him loved Mr. Burris and there is no question that he will be sincerely missed. He was a true entrepreneur and proved the American dream was possible.
He is survived by one son, William D. Burris, spouse Karen, and grandson Joshua Hayes, one daughter, Deborah L. English, spouse Wayne English, grandson, Jason Daniel English, spouse Mary English and great grandchildren, Sydney Evelyn English and Matthew Campbell. Howard Burris also has four living sisters, Jane Smith, Kathleen Shirron, Katherine States, Barbara Joe Wages, and two living brothers, Ralph Burris and Homer Earl Burris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday evening at Pace First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Pace First United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at Serenity Gardens with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing.
Flowers are accepted or you may donate to the American Lung Foundation. The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and all special care workers involved. Lewis Funeral Home (6405 Hwy. 90 W., Milton, Fl.) is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are brothers in Christ of Pace First United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers are Don Bailey, Doug Burris, Greg Burris, Mike Degraff, Guy Horton and Liz Perritt.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 4/30/2007.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - May, 2, 2007
Burris remembered for generosity
Carmen Paige
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris was a wise man who lived a generous life filled with love for family and community.
"Loving and giving describe Mr. Burris because he loved life, going to work and being with his family," the Rev. John Webb, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Pace, said during Tuesday's funeral. "We can celebrate that he has gone to that place that Jesus has prepared for him."
Burris, a Milton resident, died Friday at age 85.
Mourners cried as his nephew, Adam Burris, played guitar and sang "Our hearts will be entwined together and forever in eternity."
Before the service, photographs of Mr. Burris were shown on large screens, including one of him kissing the forehead of his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary, who died in 1996. His Bagdad-based Hom/Ade Foods, which he recently sold, was known for Mary B's frozen biscuits, named for her.
"He credited Aunt Mary with the togetherness of their house," said Doug Burris, a nephew and pastor in Arkansas. "His love for her was never a question."
Mr. Burris, a low-key philanthropist, donated land and contributed $1 million last year for the Mary E. Burris-Santa Rosa Kid's House.
"When you live in a community, and you reap benefits from your business, you owe back something," he said in February 2006.
Lessons like those were built into the strong work ethic that drove Mr. Burris, an Arkansas native, and his nine siblings and served them, their families and their communities well, said Doug Burris.
"When I was 11 or 12, he told me, 'You don't quit. The world doesn't owe you anything. You don't take advantage of those less fortunate and what you get in this life, you earn it,' " Doug Burris said. "He said, 'If you live that, you won't be disappointed.' "
Don Raley knew Mr. Burris for about 25 years, meeting when they worked as salesmen at Standard Distributing Co., a wholesale wine and liquor business.
"Mr. Burris was the Babe Ruth, the Muhammad Ali, the P.T. Barnum of salespeople," he said. "He was a good person, and he touched everyone's heart."
The Rev. Webb said Mr. Burris' life emulated Christ with his love and generosity.
"He lived a life of faith and spread the love of God that was in him wherever he went," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - April, 30, 2007
Businessman, philanthropist dies
Howard Burris donated land, gave $1 million for Kid's House
Thyrie Bland
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris of Milton could sell you anything.
And the Arkansas native would give you just about anything, too.
The founder of Hom/Ade Foods died Friday at his home after a lengthy bout with pulmonary disease. He was 85.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Pace. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church.
"He was pretty incredible," said Mr. Burris' grandson, Joshua Burris, 20. "He basically came to Pensacola without a dime in his pocket, and he managed to create a family business."
Mr. Burris became well-known throughout the area not only for his business acumen but also for being a philanthropist.
He donated the land and $1 million toward the construction and operation of Santa Rosa Kid's House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims. He made the donation in memory of his late wife, Mary, who loved children.
"I don't care who you were. If you needed help, he would help," said Mr. Burris' sister, Katherine States, 83.
"He always looked out for other people -- his family and the people who worked for him," Joshua Burris said.
Born in Russellville, Ark., Mr. Burris came to Pensacola in 1941 and worked at the Navy Yard during World War II.
A few years later, he and his family moved to Central Florida, where he worked on developing land in an area that later would become part of the Disney World boom.
The family later returned to Pensacola, and Mr. Burris worked as a beer and wine sales manager for Jack Kugleman at Standard Distributing Co. He worked at Standard about 34 years, retiring when he was 67.
Mr. Burris' work ethic was legendary.
"Even when he was home, he was still thinking about work and what he could do better," Joshua Burris said.
In his 60s, Howard Burris began looking for something to do during his retirement years. He started working with a local baker to develop a frozen dumpling process.
When the process was completed, Hom/Ade Foods was born.
Mr. Burris ran the business for 23 years. The company produced Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits, named for his late wife, who died in 1996.
States said her brother's business did well, but he never changed.
"He never flaunted his wealth," she said. "He lived in the same house he always did. He never dressed flashy. He was still Howard."
Mr. Burris, who sold his business earlier this year, became ill in 2005.
The phone at Mr. Burris' home has been ringing constantly since he passed, with people calling to express their condolences, his sister said.
"Everyone hangs up crying," States said. "They just can't believe he is gone, and neither can we."
1922-2007
Howard H. Burris, age 85 of Milton, passed away peacefully in his home on April 27, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was the founder and owner of Hom/Ade Foods, Inc. for 23 years. Hom/Ade produced the Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits; named for his late wife Mary Burris who died in 1996. Born in Russellville, AR. On March 25, 1922, Mr. Burris had resided in the Pensacola area since 1941. Mr. Burris was a very generous and community minded person, having helped many people, and also donating land and buildings in 2006 for the New Kids House in Milton to be named in memory of his wife of 47 years. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Pace and a member of the Milton Lions Club. He was dedicated to family, friends and country. Everyone that knew him loved Mr. Burris and there is no question that he will be sincerely missed. He was a true entrepreneur and proved the American dream was possible.
He is survived by one son, William D. Burris, spouse Karen, and grandson Joshua Hayes, one daughter, Deborah L. English, spouse Wayne English, grandson, Jason Daniel English, spouse Mary English and great grandchildren, Sydney Evelyn English and Matthew Campbell. Howard Burris also has four living sisters, Jane Smith, Kathleen Shirron, Katherine States, Barbara Joe Wages, and two living brothers, Ralph Burris and Homer Earl Burris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday evening at Pace First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Pace First United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at Serenity Gardens with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing.
Flowers are accepted or you may donate to the American Lung Foundation. The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and all special care workers involved. Lewis Funeral Home (6405 Hwy. 90 W., Milton, Fl.) is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are brothers in Christ of Pace First United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers are Don Bailey, Doug Burris, Greg Burris, Mike Degraff, Guy Horton and Liz Perritt.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 4/30/2007.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - May, 2, 2007
Burris remembered for generosity
Carmen Paige
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris was a wise man who lived a generous life filled with love for family and community.
"Loving and giving describe Mr. Burris because he loved life, going to work and being with his family," the Rev. John Webb, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Pace, said during Tuesday's funeral. "We can celebrate that he has gone to that place that Jesus has prepared for him."
Burris, a Milton resident, died Friday at age 85.
Mourners cried as his nephew, Adam Burris, played guitar and sang "Our hearts will be entwined together and forever in eternity."
Before the service, photographs of Mr. Burris were shown on large screens, including one of him kissing the forehead of his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary, who died in 1996. His Bagdad-based Hom/Ade Foods, which he recently sold, was known for Mary B's frozen biscuits, named for her.
"He credited Aunt Mary with the togetherness of their house," said Doug Burris, a nephew and pastor in Arkansas. "His love for her was never a question."
Mr. Burris, a low-key philanthropist, donated land and contributed $1 million last year for the Mary E. Burris-Santa Rosa Kid's House.
"When you live in a community, and you reap benefits from your business, you owe back something," he said in February 2006.
Lessons like those were built into the strong work ethic that drove Mr. Burris, an Arkansas native, and his nine siblings and served them, their families and their communities well, said Doug Burris.
"When I was 11 or 12, he told me, 'You don't quit. The world doesn't owe you anything. You don't take advantage of those less fortunate and what you get in this life, you earn it,' " Doug Burris said. "He said, 'If you live that, you won't be disappointed.' "
Don Raley knew Mr. Burris for about 25 years, meeting when they worked as salesmen at Standard Distributing Co., a wholesale wine and liquor business.
"Mr. Burris was the Babe Ruth, the Muhammad Ali, the P.T. Barnum of salespeople," he said. "He was a good person, and he touched everyone's heart."
The Rev. Webb said Mr. Burris' life emulated Christ with his love and generosity.
"He lived a life of faith and spread the love of God that was in him wherever he went," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - April, 30, 2007
Businessman, philanthropist dies
Howard Burris donated land, gave $1 million for Kid's House
Thyrie Bland
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris of Milton could sell you anything.
And the Arkansas native would give you just about anything, too.
The founder of Hom/Ade Foods died Friday at his home after a lengthy bout with pulmonary disease. He was 85.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Pace. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church.
"He was pretty incredible," said Mr. Burris' grandson, Joshua Burris, 20. "He basically came to Pensacola without a dime in his pocket, and he managed to create a family business."
Mr. Burris became well-known throughout the area not only for his business acumen but also for being a philanthropist.
He donated the land and $1 million toward the construction and operation of Santa Rosa Kid's House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims. He made the donation in memory of his late wife, Mary, who loved children.
"I don't care who you were. If you needed help, he would help," said Mr. Burris' sister, Katherine States, 83.
"He always looked out for other people -- his family and the people who worked for him," Joshua Burris said.
Born in Russellville, Ark., Mr. Burris came to Pensacola in 1941 and worked at the Navy Yard during World War II.
A few years later, he and his family moved to Central Florida, where he worked on developing land in an area that later would become part of the Disney World boom.
The family later returned to Pensacola, and Mr. Burris worked as a beer and wine sales manager for Jack Kugleman at Standard Distributing Co. He worked at Standard about 34 years, retiring when he was 67.
Mr. Burris' work ethic was legendary.
"Even when he was home, he was still thinking about work and what he could do better," Joshua Burris said.
In his 60s, Howard Burris began looking for something to do during his retirement years. He started working with a local baker to develop a frozen dumpling process.
When the process was completed, Hom/Ade Foods was born.
Mr. Burris ran the business for 23 years. The company produced Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits, named for his late wife, who died in 1996.
States said her brother's business did well, but he never changed.
"He never flaunted his wealth," she said. "He lived in the same house he always did. He never dressed flashy. He was still Howard."
Mr. Burris, who sold his business earlier this year, became ill in 2005.
The phone at Mr. Burris' home has been ringing constantly since he passed, with people calling to express their condolences, his sister said.
"Everyone hangs up crying," States said. "They just can't believe he is gone, and neither can we."
HOWARD H. BURRIS
1922-2007
Howard H. Burris, age 85 of Milton, passed away peacefully in his home on April 27, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was the founder and owner of Hom/Ade Foods, Inc. for 23 years. Hom/Ade produced the Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits; named for his late wife Mary Burris who died in 1996. Born in Russellville, AR. On March 25, 1922, Mr. Burris had resided in the Pensacola area since 1941. Mr. Burris was a very generous and community minded person, having helped many people, and also donating land and buildings in 2006 for the New Kids House in Milton to be named in memory of his wife of 47 years. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Pace and a member of the Milton Lions Club. He was dedicated to family, friends and country. Everyone that knew him loved Mr. Burris and there is no question that he will be sincerely missed. He was a true entrepreneur and proved the American dream was possible.
He is survived by one son, William D. Burris, spouse Karen, and grandson Joshua Hayes, one daughter, Deborah L. English, spouse Wayne English, grandson, Jason Daniel English, spouse Mary English and great grandchildren, Sydney Evelyn English and Matthew Campbell. Howard Burris also has four living sisters, Jane Smith, Kathleen Shirron, Katherine States, Barbara Joe Wages, and two living brothers, Ralph Burris and Homer Earl Burris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday evening at Pace First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Pace First United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at Serenity Gardens with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing.
Flowers are accepted or you may donate to the American Lung Foundation. The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and all special care workers involved. Lewis Funeral Home (6405 Hwy. 90 W., Milton, Fl.) is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are brothers in Christ of Pace First United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers are Don Bailey, Doug Burris, Greg Burris, Mike Degraff, Guy Horton and Liz Perritt.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 4/30/2007.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - May, 2, 2007
Burris remembered for generosity
Carmen Paige
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris was a wise man who lived a generous life filled with love for family and community.
"Loving and giving describe Mr. Burris because he loved life, going to work and being with his family," the Rev. John Webb, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Pace, said during Tuesday's funeral. "We can celebrate that he has gone to that place that Jesus has prepared for him."
Burris, a Milton resident, died Friday at age 85.
Mourners cried as his nephew, Adam Burris, played guitar and sang "Our hearts will be entwined together and forever in eternity."
Before the service, photographs of Mr. Burris were shown on large screens, including one of him kissing the forehead of his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary, who died in 1996. His Bagdad-based Hom/Ade Foods, which he recently sold, was known for Mary B's frozen biscuits, named for her.
"He credited Aunt Mary with the togetherness of their house," said Doug Burris, a nephew and pastor in Arkansas. "His love for her was never a question."
Mr. Burris, a low-key philanthropist, donated land and contributed $1 million last year for the Mary E. Burris-Santa Rosa Kid's House.
"When you live in a community, and you reap benefits from your business, you owe back something," he said in February 2006.
Lessons like those were built into the strong work ethic that drove Mr. Burris, an Arkansas native, and his nine siblings and served them, their families and their communities well, said Doug Burris.
"When I was 11 or 12, he told me, 'You don't quit. The world doesn't owe you anything. You don't take advantage of those less fortunate and what you get in this life, you earn it,' " Doug Burris said. "He said, 'If you live that, you won't be disappointed.' "
Don Raley knew Mr. Burris for about 25 years, meeting when they worked as salesmen at Standard Distributing Co., a wholesale wine and liquor business.
"Mr. Burris was the Babe Ruth, the Muhammad Ali, the P.T. Barnum of salespeople," he said. "He was a good person, and he touched everyone's heart."
The Rev. Webb said Mr. Burris' life emulated Christ with his love and generosity.
"He lived a life of faith and spread the love of God that was in him wherever he went," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - April, 30, 2007
Businessman, philanthropist dies
Howard Burris donated land, gave $1 million for Kid's House
Thyrie Bland
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris of Milton could sell you anything.
And the Arkansas native would give you just about anything, too.
The founder of Hom/Ade Foods died Friday at his home after a lengthy bout with pulmonary disease. He was 85.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Pace. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church.
"He was pretty incredible," said Mr. Burris' grandson, Joshua Burris, 20. "He basically came to Pensacola without a dime in his pocket, and he managed to create a family business."
Mr. Burris became well-known throughout the area not only for his business acumen but also for being a philanthropist.
He donated the land and $1 million toward the construction and operation of Santa Rosa Kid's House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims. He made the donation in memory of his late wife, Mary, who loved children.
"I don't care who you were. If you needed help, he would help," said Mr. Burris' sister, Katherine States, 83.
"He always looked out for other people -- his family and the people who worked for him," Joshua Burris said.
Born in Russellville, Ark., Mr. Burris came to Pensacola in 1941 and worked at the Navy Yard during World War II.
A few years later, he and his family moved to Central Florida, where he worked on developing land in an area that later would become part of the Disney World boom.
The family later returned to Pensacola, and Mr. Burris worked as a beer and wine sales manager for Jack Kugleman at Standard Distributing Co. He worked at Standard about 34 years, retiring when he was 67.
Mr. Burris' work ethic was legendary.
"Even when he was home, he was still thinking about work and what he could do better," Joshua Burris said.
In his 60s, Howard Burris began looking for something to do during his retirement years. He started working with a local baker to develop a frozen dumpling process.
When the process was completed, Hom/Ade Foods was born.
Mr. Burris ran the business for 23 years. The company produced Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits, named for his late wife, who died in 1996.
States said her brother's business did well, but he never changed.
"He never flaunted his wealth," she said. "He lived in the same house he always did. He never dressed flashy. He was still Howard."
Mr. Burris, who sold his business earlier this year, became ill in 2005.
The phone at Mr. Burris' home has been ringing constantly since he passed, with people calling to express their condolences, his sister said.
"Everyone hangs up crying," States said. "They just can't believe he is gone, and neither can we."
1922-2007
Howard H. Burris, age 85 of Milton, passed away peacefully in his home on April 27, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was the founder and owner of Hom/Ade Foods, Inc. for 23 years. Hom/Ade produced the Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits; named for his late wife Mary Burris who died in 1996. Born in Russellville, AR. On March 25, 1922, Mr. Burris had resided in the Pensacola area since 1941. Mr. Burris was a very generous and community minded person, having helped many people, and also donating land and buildings in 2006 for the New Kids House in Milton to be named in memory of his wife of 47 years. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Pace and a member of the Milton Lions Club. He was dedicated to family, friends and country. Everyone that knew him loved Mr. Burris and there is no question that he will be sincerely missed. He was a true entrepreneur and proved the American dream was possible.
He is survived by one son, William D. Burris, spouse Karen, and grandson Joshua Hayes, one daughter, Deborah L. English, spouse Wayne English, grandson, Jason Daniel English, spouse Mary English and great grandchildren, Sydney Evelyn English and Matthew Campbell. Howard Burris also has four living sisters, Jane Smith, Kathleen Shirron, Katherine States, Barbara Joe Wages, and two living brothers, Ralph Burris and Homer Earl Burris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Monday evening at Pace First United Methodist Church. Funeral services are at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Pace First United Methodist Church. Graveside services will follow at Serenity Gardens with LEWIS FUNERAL HOME directing.
Flowers are accepted or you may donate to the American Lung Foundation. The family extends their gratitude to Covenant Hospice and all special care workers involved. Lewis Funeral Home (6405 Hwy. 90 W., Milton, Fl.) is in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers are brothers in Christ of Pace First United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers are Don Bailey, Doug Burris, Greg Burris, Mike Degraff, Guy Horton and Liz Perritt.
Published in the Pensacola News Journal on 4/30/2007.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - May, 2, 2007
Burris remembered for generosity
Carmen Paige
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris was a wise man who lived a generous life filled with love for family and community.
"Loving and giving describe Mr. Burris because he loved life, going to work and being with his family," the Rev. John Webb, pastor of First United Methodist Church of Pace, said during Tuesday's funeral. "We can celebrate that he has gone to that place that Jesus has prepared for him."
Burris, a Milton resident, died Friday at age 85.
Mourners cried as his nephew, Adam Burris, played guitar and sang "Our hearts will be entwined together and forever in eternity."
Before the service, photographs of Mr. Burris were shown on large screens, including one of him kissing the forehead of his beloved wife of 47 years, Mary, who died in 1996. His Bagdad-based Hom/Ade Foods, which he recently sold, was known for Mary B's frozen biscuits, named for her.
"He credited Aunt Mary with the togetherness of their house," said Doug Burris, a nephew and pastor in Arkansas. "His love for her was never a question."
Mr. Burris, a low-key philanthropist, donated land and contributed $1 million last year for the Mary E. Burris-Santa Rosa Kid's House.
"When you live in a community, and you reap benefits from your business, you owe back something," he said in February 2006.
Lessons like those were built into the strong work ethic that drove Mr. Burris, an Arkansas native, and his nine siblings and served them, their families and their communities well, said Doug Burris.
"When I was 11 or 12, he told me, 'You don't quit. The world doesn't owe you anything. You don't take advantage of those less fortunate and what you get in this life, you earn it,' " Doug Burris said. "He said, 'If you live that, you won't be disappointed.' "
Don Raley knew Mr. Burris for about 25 years, meeting when they worked as salesmen at Standard Distributing Co., a wholesale wine and liquor business.
"Mr. Burris was the Babe Ruth, the Muhammad Ali, the P.T. Barnum of salespeople," he said. "He was a good person, and he touched everyone's heart."
The Rev. Webb said Mr. Burris' life emulated Christ with his love and generosity.
"He lived a life of faith and spread the love of God that was in him wherever he went," he said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published - April, 30, 2007
Businessman, philanthropist dies
Howard Burris donated land, gave $1 million for Kid's House
Thyrie Bland
[email protected]
Howard H. Burris of Milton could sell you anything.
And the Arkansas native would give you just about anything, too.
The founder of Hom/Ade Foods died Friday at his home after a lengthy bout with pulmonary disease. He was 85.
Funeral services are at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church of Pace. Visitation is 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church.
"He was pretty incredible," said Mr. Burris' grandson, Joshua Burris, 20. "He basically came to Pensacola without a dime in his pocket, and he managed to create a family business."
Mr. Burris became well-known throughout the area not only for his business acumen but also for being a philanthropist.
He donated the land and $1 million toward the construction and operation of Santa Rosa Kid's House, an advocacy center for child abuse victims. He made the donation in memory of his late wife, Mary, who loved children.
"I don't care who you were. If you needed help, he would help," said Mr. Burris' sister, Katherine States, 83.
"He always looked out for other people -- his family and the people who worked for him," Joshua Burris said.
Born in Russellville, Ark., Mr. Burris came to Pensacola in 1941 and worked at the Navy Yard during World War II.
A few years later, he and his family moved to Central Florida, where he worked on developing land in an area that later would become part of the Disney World boom.
The family later returned to Pensacola, and Mr. Burris worked as a beer and wine sales manager for Jack Kugleman at Standard Distributing Co. He worked at Standard about 34 years, retiring when he was 67.
Mr. Burris' work ethic was legendary.
"Even when he was home, he was still thinking about work and what he could do better," Joshua Burris said.
In his 60s, Howard Burris began looking for something to do during his retirement years. He started working with a local baker to develop a frozen dumpling process.
When the process was completed, Hom/Ade Foods was born.
Mr. Burris ran the business for 23 years. The company produced Open Kettle frozen dumplings and Mary B's biscuits, named for his late wife, who died in 1996.
States said her brother's business did well, but he never changed.
"He never flaunted his wealth," she said. "He lived in the same house he always did. He never dressed flashy. He was still Howard."
Mr. Burris, who sold his business earlier this year, became ill in 2005.
The phone at Mr. Burris' home has been ringing constantly since he passed, with people calling to express their condolences, his sister said.
"Everyone hangs up crying," States said. "They just can't believe he is gone, and neither can we."
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