of Conway, AR
October 27, 1930 - September 10, 2025
Dr. Arvil Wesley Burks, age 94, of Conway, Arkansas died Wednesday, September 10th in Conway. He was married to Janet Parks Burks for 72 years.
Born on October 27, 1930 in Jamestown, Arkansas, Arvil was the son of Marshall Burks and Ura (McCulloch) Burks. He was a longtime and dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of Conway, serving as an elder, deacon and treasurer for many years.
Arvil and his twin brother, Arvie Ellis Burks, graduated from Batesville High School in 1949 where they excelled on the basketball team and were later inducted into the Independence County Sports Hall of Fame. His lifelong passion for sports, particularly basketball and golf, was nurtured from a young age.
Arvil graduated from Arkansas College (now Lyon College), where he met and fell in love with fellow first-generation college student, Janet Parks. He was later honored with the Lyon College Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Arvil and Janet were married in 1953 and soon thereafter began a remarkable career of education, coaching and service. He started coaching high school basketball in Heber Springs. He went on to coach at the College of the Ozarks for several years, as well as Drury College. Some of his fondest memories came from his teams of this time. He obtained his doctorate in education at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 1966.
From 1966 to 1993, Arvil was a Professor at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), where he founded the Health Education degree program. He proudly mentored and taught generations of students, who went on to educate countless others. In 2010, he was inducted into the UCA Sports of Hall Fame for his service as the Faculty-Athletic Representative at UCA. Notably, he had fourteen holes-in-one in a lifetime of golf.
Arvil was deeply devoted to his family, especially his grandchildren, for whom he was a constant, loving presence. He was also particularly proud of the many summers he and Janet spent traveling to rural schools to present their ''Growing Healthy'' program, which provided training for schools without a health teacher.
Arvil is survived by his wife, Janet Parks Burks; his son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Wesley Burks and Jan Burks of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; his daughter, Susan Burks of Conway and his grandchildren, Chris Burks, Sarah Burks Moore and Collin Burks. He was predeceased by nine siblings and was the last of a large and loving family.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, September 19, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in Conway. Memorials may be made to the ''Arvil Burks Scholarship Fund'', UCA Box 4986, 201 Donaghey Ave., Conway, AR 72034 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Conway Building Fund, 2400 Prince St., Conway, AR 72034.
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22 Condolence(s)
Alicia Jones
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Susan, thinking of you and your family at this time.
Larry Silvey
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
I was a student and member of Coach Burks S of O Junior College basketball team in1960-62. Coach Burks was a very high character type of coach and he was a very positive influence in my career as a high coach and teacher. We worked together for several years in organizing/planning our annual S of O JUCO basketball reunion. My condolences to his family and friends. I will miss our phone calls and I am grateful for his positive impact in my career.
Toran isom
Sunday, September 21, 2025
The Burks family and the Pate family have been friends for well over seventy years, I believe. Mrs. Janet, you were so kind as to host a bridal shower for me many years ago. I also recall your attending my dad’s surprise 70th birthday party decades ago. Dr. Burks will be missed. Please know that James and I care. Toran Pate Isom
Nancy Stanton LeMaster
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Wesley, Susan & Mrs. Burks- so sorry for your loss . Dr. Burks influence is still alive through his students & their students and those privileged to know him. Prayers for you all.
Ann Peters
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Janet and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Arvil was such a special person who accomplished so many things in his life. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Bass
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Janet and Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Diane Henson
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Dear Janet & family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Dr. Burks. He was one of our favorite professors. Several of us would see him and Dr. Bill Nutter playing badminton in the Farris Center. Thinking that we all could take and dominate the old ones in a game. We asked if they would like to play. Dr. Burks had us all running all over the court sucking air trying to hit the shuttle cock back over the net. He was an outstanding athlete with his skill to place the shuttle cock right over our head or to our left side, or wherever he knew we could not reach it. LOL He would just smile at our inability to keep up with him.
He was so kind and thoughtful of all of us , (students) in the PE Department. Remembering our names and a little something about us to talk to us about when he saw us. He was a wonderful person and someone to look up to. He will be missed by so many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Andy Bloxom
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Janet, Wesley and Susan - on behalf of the Bloxom family sending prayers and a perfect peace for you.
tom
Saturday, September 13, 2025
So sorry for your loss
susie Floyd
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Janet and kids,
So, so sorry about Dr. Burks. Chaney and I thought so much of him. We enjoyed visiting with him at the UCA football games all the years you all sat behind us. We still miss that. It just doesn't seem right that you all aren't sitting there anymore. We really miss him and you. Prayers for your family.
Rebecca Barber
Saturday, September 13, 2025
I thought the world of Arvil. He has always been so kind and gracious, and one of my biggest champions. Well done good and faithful servant. Well done. Janet, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Haven Hoggard
Saturday, September 13, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Burks. My prayers are with y'all.
Jim and Charlsie McBride
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Janet, DR. Wesley and family,
We send our sincere condolences to all.
Stephanie Stephens
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Mrs.Burks , Wesley and Susan,
So sorry about Dr. Burks!
He was a true gentleman.
He and my Dad had been lifelong friends,I believe he was the last one left of (moon and rook playing) buddies...
He called often to check on Mark and I really appreciated that and I just loved visiting with him..
He will be missed!
Prayers for the whole family!
Rhonda Wood
Friday, September 12, 2025
Such a loving and thoughtful man. He was such a blessing to so many. Michael and I consider it a privilege to have know and learned from him over many decades. Prayers and thoughts from our family to his family.
Michael and Rhonda Wood
Donna Rodgers Dillahunty
Friday, September 12, 2025
I loved Dr. Burke. He was one of my professors when I was working on my masters degree back in the 70’s. I remember having to write a paper of my day to day experiences as I journeyed through each day being off caffeine for a week. He thought it was a keeper. You never forget things like that.
Joe Isom
Friday, September 12, 2025
Susan, Wesley and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. He was such a nice man and pillar of the community.
Kelly Holt
Friday, September 12, 2025
What a wonderful and kind man and a great friend of my father’s. .. and father of my dear friend Wesley and his sister. I am quite sure he will be missed and revered by many in his circle of influence. Blessings to Wesley and family.
Bill Fagan
Friday, September 12, 2025
Praying for the Burks’s family, and sincere condolences. Growing up with Wesley and Susan in Conway was a time I will always cherish. Dr. Burks was someone to always look up to as a young man. A true Christian example to all who knew him. ❤️
Gene and Carolyn Ryken
Friday, September 12, 2025
We both love Arvil so much!! Janet and Arvil have aways been so special to us. His family is in our prayers!!
Nancy Moix
Friday, September 12, 2025
My sincere condolences.
Robin Reynolds
Friday, September 12, 2025
Janet and family,
Sending prayers to you and your family. I appreciate all the hours you gave to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Volunteering.
Robin Reynolds