Averill “Butch” Burriss III , 79, of Huntington WV, passed away on September 29th 2021. Butch was born on January 12th 1942 to Merle and Averill E. Burriss Jr. of Russell, KY. After graduating from Barboursville High School in 1961, he enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard where he became a UH-1 Heli Ambulance Pilot and Detachment Commander for the 146th Medical Detachment in Parkersburg, WV. Following 22 years of honorable service and countless awards, the Major with the call sign “Fuzz” retired. He was a gifted tradesman who provided for his family as a Journeyman Pipe Fitter at Inco Alloys (Specialty Metals) for 50 years. He fathered five educated boys, Butchie (Tracey), James (Anne), Russell (Kenesa), Michael (Kristie), Patrick (Michaela) with their mother Patricia Phipps (former wife of 42 years) who he often credited for raising “the boys”. He is best known for his backyard fly-overs, neighborhood landings, outgoing personality and took fashion cues from no one. He was proud of his family and worked diligently to provide for them and those work ethics passed down to his boys. Butch had a life-long love affair with cars, motorcycles, boats and could often be found attending auto shows, his kid’s sporting events, Huntington Blizzard hockey games, auctions, furniture shopping in Hickory NC. and enjoying the Ohio River. He was always kind and welcoming to those less fortunate than him.He is preceded in death by his parents Merle Ballard and Averill Burriss Jr., his son Russell Burriss and granddaughter Stella Burriss . He is survived by his current girlfriend, Becky Keyes, remaining sons, ten grandchildren (Shelsea, Tyler, Wesley, Vivian, Keirstin, McKayla, Jameson, Connor, Arabella, Sascha) and two great grandchildren (Benjamin and Shelby). Per his wishes, no services will be conducted. However, there will be a celebration of life, open to all, at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory in Proctorville, OH at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 16th. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.comm.
