William Burns Sirmans

William Burns Sirmans, 66, of Ray City, GA passed away on June 21 at his residence. Born in Cook Co. on February 20, 1943, to the late Mary Lou Knight and F. Burns Sirmans, he fondly grew up in Berrien Co. in the cities of Ray City and Nashville. He attended Norman Park College and spent summers as a college staff member at Eastover Resort in Lenox, MA.

In Valdosta, he worked with Prudential Insurance Co. before joining the Georgia Department of Labor as a specialist in 1996. Known by many acquaintances and friends for his charismatic and devoted assistance, he focused on recruiting industry to the Valdosta area and supporting a healthy employment market.

Serving as a robust volunteer in the community, he was legendary for his support for Moody Air Force Base and his roles on the Military Affairs Committees for the Valdosta-Lowndes Co. and Berrien Co. Chambers of Commerce. For more than 20 years, he hosted a biannual Moody Support Dinner for the base’s administration and leadership. In addition, he fervently engaged political leaders and spearheaded philanthropic efforts for military families.

As a devoted member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Valdosta for over 40 years, he served in numerous lay leadership roles. He was active in Ray City United Methodist Church events, was a member of the Chambers’ Military Affairs Committee, a former Jaycee and Lion’s Club member and an honorary member of the Nashville Rotary.

He credits fellow church members who serve in the medical profession as those who saved his life in 2000 and allowed him to continue serving as a disciple of Christ. He wholeheartedly acknowledged his fondness and confidence in his medical team at Emory Healthcare for their care and friendship.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandra Griffin Sirmans; his two daughters, Jill Bateman and her husband, John of Athens; Leigh Adams and her husband, Jim of Macon; and his granddaughter, Ellen Kathryn Adams. Other survivors include his mother in-law, Hazel Hutchinson Griffin and cousins, Ralph Bradham and Joe Featherstone.

A worship service is planned for Thursday 2 p.m. at Park Avenue United Methodist Church, Valdosta with burial following in Ray City. The family will receive friends at a visitation on Wednesday, 6 – 8 p.m. in the sanctuary at Park Avenue United Methodist Church. Officiating the services will be Reverend William Dupree, Reverend V. L. Daughtery, Reverend Willie Beasley and Reverend Wayne Mitchell.





Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602