Maurice Byron Burris

Maurice Byron “Babe” Burris, our loving dad and grandpa, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2025, surrounded by his family in Woods Cross, Utah. He is deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Maurice, was born on November 15, 1941 to Maurice Robert and Evelyn Lucille Pierce Burris in Madison, Kansas. The second to the youngest of five children, he and his siblings grew up in Russell, Kansas. He graduated from Russell High School in 1960 and joined the Navy the following year. Serving during the Vietnam War on the USS Mount Katmai (AE-16) ammunition ship. After being honorably discharged, Maurice lived in California for several years before making his way to Ogden, Utah where he met Opal G. Galvez. They moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he completed an Automobile Mechanic Certification course. Shortly thereafter, their daughter Crisanta was born and they moved to Denver, CO where he managed a Fina Service Station for several years. They later welcomed their son Shane and the family relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Maurice worked as an auto mechanic for many years at various service stations throughout the Salt Lake Valley; as well as Henstrom Generator rebuilding alternators and starters. In 1993 he completed a Professional Truck Driving Certification Program at the Salt Lake Community College. He began a career as an OTR long haul freight driver working briefly for Willis Shaw Trucking. He spent the majority of his career driving for Yellow Trucking, where he made many lifelong friends and enjoyed weekly luncheons with his buddies after his retirement.

Maurice loved his family very much and treasured spending time with them. His children, grandchildren and dogs Harley and Faith, were his greatest joy. He was an avid car collector and acquired so many vehicles that that he had a hard time finding places to keep them. He built a red Bugatti kit car and would graciously offer rides to anyone that asked. He was an excellent cook, a skill he learned from his mother, and made the best chocolate fudge in town.

Maurice is survived by his children Crisanta (Mitch) Gwilliam and Maurice Shane Burris; his grandchildren Patrick Zachary Hursh and Brittany Nicole Gwilliam; and Opal G. Burris, the mother of his children and his lifelong friend. Although no longer married, Opal’s unwavering support and companionship remained an important part of his life, she was also a crucial part of his care team throughout his final years. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Lazelle (Jan) Galvez, his sisters-in law Wilma Burris, Vicki Burris, Maxine Galvez and many beloved nieces and nephews. Maurice also leaves behind his loyal dog Faith, his dear friend Patricia Capps and his buddy James Johnson, who checked in on him every single week for the last 5 years.

Maurice is preceded in death by: His parents, brothers Robert Allen, Roger Lee (Sarge), Michael Lynn, and sister Eva Lou Burris Fitzgerald; parents-in-law James Clander and Ada Janet Evangeline Galvez, sisters and brothers-in-law Marie (Tobias) Montoya, Grace (Paul) Montano, Jack (Mattie) Galvez, Howard (Pauline) Galvez, Barbara (Jose/Buffalo) Martinez, Crisanta Pauline Ramos, Pearl Annette Galvez and Kenneth Galvez. He was looking forward to a long awaited and joyous reunion in Heaven with all of his precious loved ones, including his dogs Nippy and Harley; and his cats Shasta and Savannah.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Tiffani Volden at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in SLC; and the compassionate team of caregivers from Canyon Home Care & Hospice, especially Brendon, Kaylee, Rian and Carly who provided unwavering support and comfort during Maurice’s final days.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1335 W. 1500 S. in Woods Cross, Utah, where the funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Internment at 12:15 p.m. at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S. 200 W., Bountiful, Utah.