Mr. William Brown “B” Burleson, age 92, of Winfield, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the Northwest Medical Center. Born October 25, 1932 in Winfield, Alabama, he was the son of Alves and Lula Era Smith Burleson. A lifelong resident of the community, Willie B was a member of the Winfield Church of Christ. He attended Bobo Elementary School and Hubbertville High School where he excelled as a football player. After high school, he married the love of his life, Jeanette McCaleb Burleson. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. Willie B began his career with H&H Robertson in 1951, working as an ironworker and later as a field agent. In 1964, he joined Continental Conveyor, where he worked until his retirement in 1997. His career took him across South America, Egypt, Indonesia and nearly every state in the Union, earning the respect of everyone he worked with. Willie B had a passion for fishing and was a member of the Winfield Bass Masters. In 1973, he set the Alabama state record for catching a 35-pound spoonbill catfish, a record he held for nearly 50 years. He cherished the days he got to spend fishing with his buddies. Willie B was a devoted family man; he loved spending time with his grandchildren and loved ones. He also enjoyed watching Alabama football and telling stories. Known for his honesty and straightforward nature, Willie B was a man who always told it like it was. He was a hardworking, loyal, and respected person who left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Mr. Burleson is survived by his son, David Alan “Burlu” Burleson, grandchildren, Kacie Coats (Josh), Kayla Rush (Brock), and Cody Dodd (Caroline), great grandchildren, Karlee and Blade Coats, Chloe Brown, Baylor, Lawson, and Diana Grey Rush, and Eloise and Beckham Dodd, and a host of nieces, nephews, great family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Burleson was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette McCaleb Burleson, daughter, Diana Sue Burleson, brother, Wendall Burleson, sisters, Ruth Kendrick and Mary Ann Harrod, brothers-in-law, Clarence Harrod and Herchel Kendrick, and sister-in-law, Joyce Ann McCaleb.
Funeral service for Mr. Burleson will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. from the Winfield Church of Christ with burial to follow in the Winfield City Cemetery. The body will lie in state on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. service time at the church. The visitation will be held on Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Winfield Church of Christ.
Bowen Funeral Home of Winfield, Alabama serving the Burleson family.
