Gerald Edward "Jerry" Burks departed this life for his heavenly reward on March 21, 2019.  He is survived by his devoted wife, Terry, and his mother, Lois Burks Davis, both of Hampton; daughter Stephanie Sarris (Jim) and grandson, Zachary of Smithfield; and daughter Margaret Ann Frazier (Michael) of Leesburg, VA.  He is also survived and cherished by his mother-in-law Betty Sullivan, sisters-in-law Marcia Houske (Joe) and Cindy Brown, brother-in-law Michael Sullivan (Sarah), and nieces Megan Fields (Shaun) and Kallie Brown. He was preceded in death by his father W.R. "Dick" Burks and his sister Mary "Kay" McCormick.

Jerry graduated from Virginia Tech in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.  After a few years of working in a CPA firm and as the comptroller for Wornom's drug stores he realized he was an entrepreneur at heart and opened Burks' Bookkeeping and Tax Service in 1968.  Jerry spent the next 50 years building and growing the business where many clients became friends.  He recently retired but continued to serve as a consultant and mentor for the staff.

Jerry followed his father Dick into Masonry, where he found lifelong friends.  He was Past Master of both Monitor and Poquoson Lodges and a 33rd Degree Mason.  He was active with the Grand Lodge of Virginia's Committee on Work for more than 20 years and was the National Sojourners' Past Commander of the Heroes of '76.

Jerry was also passionate about his alma mater Virginia Tech. He was proud to become a member of the VT Alumni Old Guard and always enjoyed attending his class reunions in Blacksburg.  He was an enthusiastic Porsche collector and driver.  He and Terry enjoyed many driving adventures with the First Settlers Porsche Club, including the opportunity to drive his Porsche on the track at VIR.  Jerry and Terry shared an appreciation and love of lighthouses and enjoyed traveling to visit many of them on both coasts.

Jerry faced several health challenges over the years and his family and friends were always amazed by his positive outlook and perseverance, which showed his fighting spirit.  He continued to live life his way, enjoying it the fullest and he was a source of strength, infinite wisdom, and inspiration to everyone who knew him.

Jerry was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and participated in many of the church's activities.  He loved his church family and found them to be a great source of comfort and inspiration in his faith journey. When Jerry and Terry joined their discipleship group, it was ironically called "The Beacons".

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hampton on Thursday, March 28th at 2:00 p.m.  The family will receive visitors at the church prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m., with reception to follow the service.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Cancer Society or Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.