Timothy Ray Burks

Timothy Ray Burks "Tim", age 68, formerly of Hermitage PA, passed away on

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at the Trinity Living Center in Grove City, PA following a

long illness. Born April 14, 1951 in Accoville West Virginia, he was the son of

Beverly Ray and Bonnie Lou Gearheart Burks. His father preceded him in

death and his mother resides in Lenexa, Kansas.

Timothy graduated from Bristol High School in Bristolville Ohio and went on to

study classical guitar at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State

University. He enjoyed success early in his career in both classical and rock-n-roll

genres, recording and touring with NE Ohio bands including The Glass Harp and

Heartship. While performing professionally, Tim was featured on television and

radio performances including WMMS's Live from the Agora. In later years, he

taught privately in Kent, Ohio for select students. His musicality has been an

inspiration to many, including his niece and nephew who carry on as professional

musicians in Nashville, TN and Asheville, NC today.

Tim led a quiet and private life and enjoyed trout fishing and hunting nearly as

much as the guitar, bagging a bear at the young age of 18. Though in later

years his health prevented him from enjoying the outdoors, Tim remained a

lover of music and would spend his days listening to the local NPR classical

music station.

Family was always important to Tim, and just a few hours before his passing,

his mischievous sibling teasing was as sharp as ever as he insisted his sister

Ladonna leave her reading glasses for him because he couldn't find his own. In

addition to his mother, Bonnie Burks, Tim is survived by former wife Karen

Burks, a sister Ladonna Ellenberger and her husband Vic of Hermitage, PA,

two brothers Phillip Burks and his wife Marianne of Overland Park, KS,

Stephen Burks and his wife Laura of Chagrin Falls, OH, 8 nieces and nephews

and a great nephew.

In keeping with Tim's wishes there will be no visitation or services.

Arrangements are being handled by the Harold W. Stevenson Funeral Home

LLC, 264 E. State Street, Sharon, Pa, 16146.

On-line condolences may be offered by visiting stevensonfuneralhome.net