BURNIS LEE HALL, JR. 1933 – 2024
Burnis Lee Hall Jr. was born on August 28, 1933, in Navasota, Texas to Helen Beatrice Washington Hall and Burnis Lee Hall, Sr. His mother died when he was nine years old and he was raised primarily by his grandmother, Rena Washington (Big Mama). He professed a hope in Christ at the age of 12 and joined True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Navasota.
His initial education started at Carver Elementary school. He graduated from George Washington Carver (GWc) High School at the early age of 16 in 1950. His academic excellence led to him sharing the co-valedictorian recognition of his class. He was awarded a $50.00 scholarship to Prairie View A&M College (University) and graduated with honors in May 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Burnis was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. After Basic Officers Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he received orders to Fort Lewis, Washington. This was the beginning of 12 military assignments in the United States and overseas for the next 25 years. They included two combat tours in Vietnam and educational experiences as Professor of Military Science at South Carolina State College (University). While serving as an Instructor at the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Burnis was able to obtain a Master of Arts Degree in History from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Burnis retired as a Lieutenant Colonel on December 31, 1979.
He then embarked upon a new career, earning an Associate Degree in Real Estate from Austin Community College (ACC) and a Master’s Degree in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught History and Government at ACC for over 21 years.
Burnis became a member of the Olivet Baptist Church family in 1980. He was later ordained as Deacon on May 18, 1986. He never failed to credit any and all successful achievements to the glory of God. Burnis lived to celebrate his 70th year of marriage to his wife Lee Cradia Manning Hall on November 26, 2024.
In addition to Burnis’ community involvement through civic and social groups, he served as treasurer of the Black Austin Democrats for several years and was president of the Prairie View Alumni Club. He was a member of the Gideons, an organization of Christian Professional men who distributed Bibles worldwide. He also served as a Board Member and Chaplain of the Navasota G.W. Carver Alumni Association. Burnis was a lifetime member of the Prairie View National Alumni Association and was active in both the Austin and Class of 1954 Chapters. His main recreational hobbies were bowling and playing Social and Duplicate Bridge.
Burnis was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and youngest daughter, Sharon Denise Hall.
He leaves to forever cherish his memory his beloved wife, Lee Cradia Hall; son, Burnis Anton “Tony” Hall; daughter, Pamela Hall Vance (Anthony); son, Byron Hall (Christie); sister, Evelyn Paramore; two granddaughters, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.