Dr. Malcolm B. Burris

Dr. Malcolm B. Burris, 97 Lakeland- Dr. Malcolm B. Burris, Age 97, passed away on August 22, 2015. Malcolm was born January 28, 1918, in Liberty, Mississippi and grew up to age twelve in the Mississippi Delta. He then moved with his family back to Amite County, in southwest Mississippi and graduated from Liberty, MS high school at age 16. He graduated first in his class at Mississippi College and second in his class at Tulane Medical School. Malcolm served in the Navy during WW II as the chief medical officer aboard Destroyer Maddox DD731 in the South Pacific. Malcolm remained in the Navy reserve after the war and retired as a Commander. He enjoyed traveling to the annual reunions of his shipmates. They honored him with a special dedication ceremony in 1993 and thanked him for his positive influence on their lives. Malcolm returned to Tulane Medical School in New Orleans after the war for his residency in Hematology and Internal Medicine. He then spent a few years on the staff at Ochsner Clinic. Malcolm, his wife Sara and children, moved to Lakeland where he joined the Watson Clinic as the fifteenth partner in 1958. He retired in 1989. He enjoyed spending time with his good friend Carl Warnock playing tennis and outdoors with his hunting companions both human and canine. He spent many years practicing martial arts and achieved the rank of San Dan in Yoshukai Karate. Malcolm was active and committed member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe Addison and Madge Hall Burris; sisters, Mary Burris Green, Burmah Burris and Barbara Burris Richey; and brother, Joe A. Burris, Jr. Malcolm is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sara; his son, Brent Burris (Ginny) and his daughter, Barbara Burris Stevens; along with six grandchildren, Gabriel, Andrea, Grant and Austin Stevens and Aubrey and Gigi Burris. Malcolm was a devoted husband and father who always thought of other""s concerns, a true southern gentleman. His kindness, wisdom and generosity will be missed by all that knew him. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caregivers who provided excellent care in the final passage of Malcolm""s life including Charles and Charlene, Shannon, Kristen, Kathy, and Karla. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the SPCA of Lakeland, 5850 S. Brannen Road, Lakeland, Fl. 33813.