Dwayne Burison

Don't cry for me.
I will be okay.
Heaven is my home now,
and this is where I'll stay.

Don't cry for me.
I'm where I belong.
I want you to be happy
and try to stay strong.

Don't cry for me.
It was just my time,
but I will see you someday
on the other side.

Don't cry for me.
I am not alone.
The angels are with me
to welcome me home.

Don't cry for me,
for I have no fear.
All my pain is gone,
and Jesus took my tears.

Don't cry for me.
This is not the end.
I'll be waiting here for you
when we meet again.

Dwayne Wendell Burison, son of Louis and Annie Lee Burison, was born on December 14, 1972 in Hampton County, South Carolina. Dwayne was christened at an early age and stayed connected to his religious roots throughout adulthood. Dwayne attended Hampton County Schools, where he excelled academically. The epitome of a scholar, Dwayne demonstrated his academic abilities in numerous ways. He started his school career earning multiple awards. He continued this pattern throughout middle school, and well into high school, where he achieved a perfect score, 1600, on the SAT. His selection as a finalist to South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics was an additional proud moment. Dwayne graduated at the top of his class as Salutatorian. A mere two weeks after he received his diploma from Estill High School, he enrolled early at Clemson University on a full academic scholarship. While there, he chose to attend summer school each year to enhance his educational experience. He ultimately earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in May of 1996. After graduating, he moved to Gastonia, North Carolina where he worked for Alpharma Incorporated, a pharmaceutical company, to establish his career’s foundation. In 2003, he continued his career at Eli Lilly and Company where he dedicated nineteen years as an Associate Consultant Scientist-Global Molecular Steward, specializing in Manufacturing and Technical Services. Eli Lilly is a prestigious pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is known worldwide for discovering, developing, manufacturing, and selling products like insulin, cancer treatment drugs, and many more life-saving medicines. Dwayne devoted himself to his career with this company until the time of his passing. Dwayne, affectionately known as “Duke,” had a kind heart, a sincere smile, and he loved interacting with and helping people. He had a healthy thirst for knowledge and easily got along with anyone no matter the situation. He truly enjoyed traveling and cheering for his alma maters, the Estill Gators and Clemson Tigers. Being a father was the greatest joy of Dwayne’s life. He with was blessed with three children from his union to Lorre’l Radford. He was devoted and loving towards his daughters, KenLei and TaShyla. He matched that same passion when his son, Dwayne, was born. Every year, they looked forward to family beach vacations and birthday celebrations. Spending time with family was a highlight of his life. Frequent phone calls home, keeping in close contact with his parents; joking with his brothers and sisters; or enjoying long weekends with his cousins always put a smile on Dwayne’s face. In addition to his blood relatives, Dwayne also considered members of the community his extended family. He was preceded in death by one brother: Jerome Bryant; one sister: Sylvia Boston; maternal grandparents: James and Jennie Dunbar; paternal grandparents: Benjamin and Lillie Rose Burison; aunts and uncles: Betty Maxwell, David Dunbar, George Dunbar, William (Inez) Burison, Voncile Thompson, Donald Burison, and Ethridge Giles Jr. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: parents: Louis and Annie Lee Burison; one daughter: KenLei De’Ann Burison; a bonus daughter: TaShyla Marie Scott; one son: Dwayne Michael Burison; two brothers: Louis Alonzo (Richie Albright) Burison Jr. and Gervais Chaquinn Burison (Joyce Reece); sister: Lillie Rose (Gene) Sanders; sister-in-law: Debra Bryant; brother-in-law: Jeff Boston; aunts and uncles: Julia Bolden, Eugenia Dunbar, Robert (Ann) Marshall, Diane Dunbar, Ann Giles, Maxzine (Kenneth) Logan, Benjamin (Rozia Lee) Burison, Debra Burison, Londell Burison; special friend: Lisa Flowers; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Dwanye Burison of Estill, SC transitioned from labor to reward. 

Please feel free to light a candle and sign the guestbook

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dwayne Burison, please visit our floral store.