Larry Burwick was born Sept. 22, 1945, in Cleveland, Texas, to Gilbert Ira Burwick and Eunice Billingsley Burwick. He passed away Oct. 6, 2026, in Cleveland, Texas, at the age of 81.
A 1964 graduate of Tarkington High School, Larry excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He achieved class honors as Salutatorian, served as president of the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, quarterbacked the football team during his senior year, and was an active member of the Beta Club.
Larry proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from September 1966 through August 1967, riding with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as the “Blackhorse Regiment.”
After his military service, Larry returned home to Tarkington with his wife, Jeanine, where they raised their family. He devoted 30 years to Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas, before enjoying a well-earned retirement.
In his retirement years, Larry dedicated much of his time to VFW Post 1839 and the Blackhorse Association—working tirelessly to locate fellow veterans, keep them connected, and bring them together for annual reunions. Throughout their life together, Larry supported Jeanine’s dedication to Rural Shade Baptist Church, with family records also noting his own baptism on July 29, 1956.
An avid outdoorsman, Larry had a true knack for mechanics and could fix just about anything. Whether tinkering with trucks, tractors, and boats, or building his own garage, he was happiest outside working with his hands. He especially loved hunting deer with both bow and rifle, and treasured time spent with family at deer camp. He placed first in a local archery competition in 1977 and proudly displayed his once-in-a-lifetime “Robin Hood” arrow alongside his longbow and custom bow, the East Texas Hunter, crafted by the legendary Roland Jenkins of Huntsville, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jeanine Whatley Burwick; his parents, Gilbert Ira and Eunice Burwick; sister, Sylvia Burwick Bradley; and brother, Ira B. Burwick.
Larry is survived by his loving daughter, Teresa Burwick Fisher; loving son, Andy Burwick; brothers, Hamp Burwick and Edgar Burwick (wife Charlotte); sisters, Carolyn Lewis, Edna Arnold, and Gwen Bittick; cherished grandchildren, Michael Fisher, Kelsey Wright (husband Aidan), Lani Burwick, and Shelbi Burwick; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his beloved military brothers-in-arms.
Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m., at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel (303 E. Crockett St., Cleveland, TX 77327). The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. with Pastor Byron Reeves officiating. Burial will follow in Ryan Cemetery with full military honors and graveside recognition performed by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
Pallbearers: Troy Arnold, Bryan Bradley, Russell Coaliron, Thomas Holmes, Eldon Lewis, Aidan Wright.
Honorary Pallbearers: Hamp Burwick, Edgar Burwick, Jerry Dellinger, Johnny Grimsley, Wayne Melonson, Carl Smith.
To honor Larry’s memory, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer’s Association /donate in lieu of flowers.