Gordon E. Burks, III
Memorial Fund
Gordon E. Burks, III Memorial Fund
Gordon Burks graduated from Henrico High School in 1977. At his graduation he was chosen as most athletic, most likely to succeed, and best all-around. He also received the Hugh Johnson award, which at the time was the highest honor given. He was a varsity athlete who played football, baseball, and basketball. He was among the first students to take “advanced” classes where he excelled. Gordon’s athletic friends thought he was a nerd, and his academic friends called him a “jock.” He was a humble person and a friend to absolutely everyone. His work ethic was unmatched: the guy just never stopped until a task was complete. He found joy everywhere and was known for his big smile.
After a conversation with HHS football coach, Ron Axeselle, Gordon decided to attend Hampden-Sydney College where he continued to play football and majored in chemistry. After three years he transferred to Virginia Tech to complete a degree in chemical engineering.
After college Gordon continued to play on softball and basketball rec teams, ran several 5K races, completed the Richmond marathon, and had several holes-in-one on the golf course.
Gordon’s response to being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer was to ask how he could help other people. He never complained about pain or the unfairness of it all. He was surrounded by his family when his journey was complete in January of 2024.
This fund is designed to support a scholarship to honor Gordon’s life. Most importantly, the recipient will embody Gordon’s down-to-earth personality and love of people.
All donations are tax-deductible gifts to the Henrico Education Foundation, an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization. With questions about donations please contact Amanda Murphy at (804) 877 9404 or by email at amurphy@henricogives.org.
Donations in the form of checks may be mailed to:
Henrico Education Foundation
P.O. Box 31413
Henrico, VA 23294
(make check payable to Henrico Education Foundation and include Gordon E. Burks Memorial Fund in the memo)
To make a gift of stocks, mutual funds, bonds or other charitable trusts or bequests, please contact Jay Shively at jshively@henricogives.org or (804) 877-9401.