Edward Franklin Burris, III, 65, of Newark, DE, formerly of Blackbird, DE, passed away at his home on December 19, 2021.

He was born October 28, 1956, in Dover, DE to the late Edward Franklin Burris Jr. and the late Janet Marie Thorpe.

He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America as a child, and graduated from Middletown High School in 1974. He graduated from the Delaware Police Academy in 1976 and later earned a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Delaware.

He retired from the University of Delaware Police Department as an Investigator. Prior to working at the University of Delaware, Eddie worked in several police departments throughout the state, including the Laurel Police Department and the Capitol Police Department, where he guarded the governor's mansion, Woodburn.

He was an avid reader, particularly enjoying audiobooks. He also loved fishing and the music of Frank Sinatra. He never missed a broadcast of the radio program, "Sinatra and Friends." He watched "Jeopardy" every single night and enjoyed the films of his favorite actor, John Wayne. His favorite pastime was spending time with his grandkids.

He was a member of FOP Blue Hen Lodge No. 7, and the Freemasons in Delaware, Harmony Lodge No. 13 A.F. & A.M.

He is survived by Sally L. Stewart, former wife & mother of children, and Kathleen A. McGrath, former wife; his children Erin R. Armour (Lloyd J. Armour Jr.) of Lake Forest, CA; and Emily M. Wilkins (R. Reese Wilkins) of Dover, DE; grandchildren, Annabella L. Gill-Wilkins, Wilson L. Gill-Wilkins, Madelynn E. Bichy, Maxwell M. Bichy, and Logan J. Armour; a sister, Lisa L. Burris; a nephew, Reno Hart; a niece, Scarlett Hart; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Michael W. Burris.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Paige Seppanen.

Memorial services will be held 1:30 PM January 15, 2022, at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., where friends may call from 12 PM – 1:30 PM.

Due to concerns about COVID-19, no reception or gathering will follow the service. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna DE 19977 or donations may be made to https://giveto.ourtributefund.com/?fh=15646&fp=933F153E-25A0-45E4-89A7-6D4BFEC2A9A6&cid=7f28e81d4089bce2e325a7292708027eae17446ec4764c2bb353a6913da4cbae

To sign the online guestbook, please click the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.