Roger "Billy" Burruss

Roger “Billy” Burruss, 87, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Cumming, the same community where he was born on June 11, 1939. The son of Jacob Reeves Burruss and Mary Ruth Wallace Burruss, Billy was one of eleven children and grew up surrounded by the close-knit family and traditions that remained dear to him throughout his life.

Billy married Rebecca Johnson in 1966 after meeting her while they were both working at Gulf Oil in downtown Atlanta. They shared a close and loving relationship, and Rebecca remained a very special part of Billy’s life. Following her passing in 2011, he missed her dearly and carried her memory in his heart throughout the years that followed.

Throughout his career, Billy was known for his strong work ethic and his ability to connect with people. After his time at Gulf Oil, he spent 20 successful years as a salesman with Life of Georgia. His talent and dedication earned him trips to Jamaica and Hawaii, accomplishments he enjoyed remembering and sharing with others.

Above all, Billy loved his family, his church, and the friendships he built throughout his life. A devoted member of Coal Mountain Baptist Church, he found great joy in singing at church and attending gospel singings throughout the Southeast. He even had the opportunity to enjoy a gospel cruise, combining his love of music and fellowship.

Billy was an outgoing, social man who never met a stranger. One of his favorite stories was about growing up with his ten siblings and living in the chicken house while the family’s new home was being built. He loved sharing memories of those days, keeping his family’s history alive through the stories he told so well.

His home held a special place in his heart. Built by his brother Leland on their father’s property near where the family farm once stood, it connected Billy to his roots and the land where his life began. It was a place he was proud of and loved sharing with others.

Billy also had a lifelong love of music, especially Elvis Presley, whom he had the pleasure of seeing in concert. His love of cars was another part of his life. He was especially proud of his brand-new 1964½ Ford Mustang convertible, a car that became part of his personal story. That passion never faded; even at 80 years old, he purchased his last Mustang convertible. Today, that car is driven by his grandson, a fitting continuation of a legacy filled with memories and family pride.

His grandchildren brought him indescribable joy. He absolutely loved showing off Joshua, Bryson, and Emma to anyone who would listen. They had a special way of making him light up, and his love for them was unmistakable. Just as deeply, Billy cherished the close bond he shared with his son, Brooks, whose love, dedication, and care meant the world to him as he grew older and needed more assistance. The two were nearly inseparable, spending every day together during the last 15 years of Billy’s life. His family was his greatest source of happiness, and he treasured every moment he shared with them.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Ruth LeBlanc (Kenny); his son, Brooks Burruss; and his beloved grandchildren, Joshua, Bryson, and Emma. He is also survived by his sisters, Ineal Burton and Kathleen Pruitt, and sister-in-law Mary Burruss, along with many extended family members and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rebecca Johnson Burruss; his parents, Jacob Reeves Burruss and Mary Ruth Wallace Burruss; and his siblings Reeves Burruss (Vertie Lee), Ed Burruss (Gwynell), Leland Burruss (Edna), Larry Burruss, Maggie Wilbanks (Wilson), Dot Burruss, Lucille Phillips (Buddy), and Betty Strickland (Cliff).

Billy will be remembered for his deep faith, his love of gospel music, his outgoing spirit, and, most of all, the pride and joy he found in his family. His stories, his laughter, and the way his face lit up at the sight of his grandchildren will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

His life was rooted in family, faith, and the community he called home. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations.

Funeral Arrangements

Visitation Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming, Georgia from 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Funeral Service Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Coal Mountain Baptist Church Cumming, Georgia

Visitation will begin at the church at 1:00 p.m., prior to the funeral service.

Dinner will be provided after the graveside service at Coal Mountain Baptist Church's Family Life Center.

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at ingramfuneralhome.com.