W. Wilson Burr

Lt. Colonel (Ret.), Master of Grits, Life of the Party, Family Legend

Wilson Burr, born and raised in Bennettsville, South Carolina, took his final bow on November 18, 2025. He left this world the way he lived in it: surrounded by people who loved him, full of stories, and probably planning how he was going to cook his Thanksgiving turkey this year.

He was born with uncanny confidence and quite possibly the best sense of humor. He was a husband, father, Poppa, brother, Airman, grill master, and, occasionally, the last man standing on the beach (without sunscreen, of course).

After joining the Air Force, Wilson earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and law degrees from the University of South Carolina, completing both in less than five years – something he was extremely proud of. He juggled his education, military career, and raising a family simultaneously, which tells you everything about his grit and maybe more than you need to know about his stubbornness.

He traveled the world with the Air Force, working and raising his family in the Philippines, Wyoming, England, Germany, Okinawa, Korea, Texas, Louisiana, and Virginia. For the majority of his military career, he served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG). He retired as a Lt. Colonel after 22 years. He went on to open a private practice but continued to feel the pull to serve people, eventually becoming Oconee County’s Chief Public Defender where his passion for the courtroom was obvious. He truly had a heart of gold, and it showed when working with his clients.

Wilson was greeted in Heaven by his parents, Dorothy Mae and Woodrow Wilson Burr, Sr.; his parents-in-law, Mildred and Calvin “Griff” Griffis; and the greatest of all pets, Pooch –  the mighty dog he almost convinced his grandchildren could fly.

Here on Earth, he leaves behind the love of his life, Brenda Griffis Burr. They were just days away from celebrating 57 years of marriage, an accomplishment that speaks equally to their devotion and Brenda’s patience. His five children and their families also survive him: David Cobb & Barbara and his daughter Mattie Sandoval & Cristian, and sons Sam and Will; Karen White & Kevin and their sons Wilson, Jack, and Henry; Susan Kastler & Chris and their children Cavan, Sloan, and Carlin; Emily Hagerman & Chad and their children Quinn and Campbell; Stephen Burr & Sarah Spaulding and their son Wilder; and Snoop, who we lovingly referred to as his emotional support dog. Wilson is also survived by his sister, Wanda Berry & Alva, and their daughters Midge, Natalie, and Shana & Alan, and their sons Kirk and Zeb. Every one of them knew him as the same thing: the center of the family.

Being the center of the family meant one thing above all: food. Wilson’s idea of hospitality was simple – feed people. Then feed them again. And then send them home with aluminum-foil-wrapped parcels of everything he cooked, enough to cover dinner for the next few weeks. Whether it was ribs, steaks, or barbecue pork, if Wilson was entertaining, the grill was hot. He also believed breakfast should be served before anyone else’s eyes opened, complete with the best grits most people will ever eat. If you were ever hungry under his roof, that was on you.

The beach was an extension of his joy, his annual sanctuary. He soaked up every minute – the sun, the sand, the salt air, all while nervously counting heads of grandchildren at ALL times. You could always spot him by his tattered Graves Mountain Lodge shirt held together with hope and a few knots, worn with the pride of the second man who knew it was too good to throw away. Many lifelong memories were created each evening at the beach – cooking, eating, and teaching the grandkids how to play Liar’s Dice. Pretending to be outmatched, and still, somehow, managing to win just often enough to keep them humble.

Wilson didn’t measure his life in accomplishments, though he had plenty. He measured it in full tables, full beach houses, full hearts, and the joy of hearing his grandchildren laugh. He lived generously and loved unconditionally, leaving a family that will forever feel his absence and thank God for the years they had with him.

Wilson lived exactly the way he wanted: family first, always instilling the belief that everyone gets one shot to make the best of life – so work hard and choose to create fun in all of it.

He will be missed fiercely and remembered with laughs, great stories, and a good time, because that’s exactly how he would want it. Please join Brenda and their family to honor Wilson and celebrate his life and legacy, details below.

December 14, 2025, 4 pm

The Ridge at Summit Farms

204 Wisteria Drive, Westminster, SC 29693