Mr. William Henry Burse II, affectionately known as “Sputnik”, was called by God and his infinite wisdom to return home on January 1, 2025. Sputnik was born on September 3, 1961, in Christian County, Kentucky to the late William Pollard and Georgia Anna Burse.
Sputnik accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age while attending Durrett Avenue Baptist Church. Sputnik was a graduate of Hopkinsville High School, class of 1980. While at Hopkinsville High School, he was a multisport athlete. He played football at both the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University and was later drafted by the Oakland Invaders (USFL) and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sputnik married Vynnie Thomas on December 31, 1985, and they shared their lives until 2018. Their union was blessed with two children: a son, William Henry Burse III, and a daughter, Natasha Renee Burse. He was employed by Yellow Corporation– YRC Freight for 20 years when he retired.
Sputnik found true love again and married Donna Pearson on May 11, 2024. Their time together may have been short, but they loved each other dearly.
Sputnik leaves to cherish his precious memories, his devoted wife Donna Pearson Burse of Cedar Hill, TX.; one son, William Henry Burse III of Dallas, TX; one daughter, Natasha Renee Burse of Dallas, TX; one bonus son, Dameon Pearson; one granddaughter, Zyon Pearson; three brothers, Herbert Burse of Hampton, GA., Steve Burse (Myrna) of Clarksville, TN., and Jason Burse (Natalie) of Douglasville, Ga.; four sisters, Nannie Mae Croney of Hopkinsville, KY., Helen Ann Gore of Tuscaloosa, AL., Mary Frances (Lincoln) of Louisville, KY., and Alice Gertrude Thomas of Louisville, KY.; two uncles, Alfred Burse (Camille) of Harvey, IL., and Raymond Burse (Kim) of Prospect, KY.; one aunt, Irene Burse Williams of Hopkinsville, KY as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and classmates.
He will be missed by those who loved him the most.
Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Funeral services will be on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 11:00 am at Durrett Avenue Baptist Church.
Visitation will begin Friday morning at 10:00.
Burial will follow in Cave Springs Cemetery.
