OBITUARY
 MUNISING/CARROLLTON,
Texas — Preston Sean Burley of Carrollton, Texas, passed away April 28, 2008, at
20 years of age.
He spent the last three years of his life in a valiant fight against the brain
cancer that would eventually take his life. The way that he lived his life was
an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. Even through the rigorous schedule
of four brain surgeries, 2 1/2 years of chemo, four rounds of radiation and
countless pills that had to be taken each day, he never once complained or
questioned his fate. Though he always hoped and prayed for a cure, he had an
unbelievable peace and resolve that radiated through it all. His wonderful sense
of humor put everyone at ease and often times helped us make it through a very
difficult situation.
Preston was born May 3, 1987, in Carrollton, Texas, to Donna Jean Burley and
Gary Sanchez. When Preston was young, two people entered their lives, Charles
Hershel Glass and his daughter Brittany, filling the role of stepdad and
stepsister.
He was a 2005 graduate of Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, Texas, and for
two years attended Brookhaven Community College in Dallas, where he was a member
of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. He had a 4.0 grade-point average
in his last semester of college, even while going through intensive chemotherapy
and radiation. His goal of college was to fulfill his dream of becoming an
architect.
Preston spent his youth in a full array of activities. In first grade, he joined
the Scouting world after volunteering his Mom to be the Tiger Cub leader. They
continued through Cub Scouts, Webelos and Boy Scouts, completing 7 years that
were full of fun adventures. He also played baseball for 6 years, soccer for 7
years and football for 5 years while in middle school and high school. His life
was full of many different experiences, including local outings, out-of-town
trips and fun with family and friends.
Preston enjoyed a special relationship with his Mom and she made sure their life
was full of making memories. They enjoyed each other’s company and Preston
always loved spending time in his own home. She feels God blessed her with such
an extraordinary child because He knew she wouldn’t have him for long.
Though Preston had many friends and acquaintances, he had two very close
friends, Chris Gravley and Matt McCary. They met in kindergarten and forged a
bond that lasted through his life. The three of them particularly enjoyed
swimming, golf, going to the movies and playing video games. Also, he and Chris
often spent time playing their guitars together.
Summers spent in Munising with his grandparents, Ronald and Clara Stimac, and
his uncles, Ronald Jr., Michael and Scott Stimac, highlighted each year. His
friend Chris was fortunate enough to spend some of those summers with him. His
days were spent fishing, hiking, canoeing, golfing, swims in Lake Superior,
trips to Mackinac Island and campfires on the beach, just to name a few. It was
during one of these summers that he met his girlfriend, Jennifer Stevenson.
Though separated through the miles, they talked every day, made time for visits,
spent summers together and developed a deep and committed relationship that has
lasted for the past 5 years.
Preston leaves behind his mother, Donna Jean Burley, and stepdad, Charles
Hershel Glass; stepsister, Brittany Glass; father, Gary Sanchez, all from
Dallas, Texas. From Munising, Mich., grandparents, Ronald and Clara Stimac;
uncles, Ronald Stimac, Jr., Michael Stimac and Scott (Molly) Stimac; and his
cousin, Scott II; great-grandmother, Eunice Stimac; and numerous other aunts,
uncles and cousins. From Palm City, Fla., great-aunt, Eva (Dick) Devito; and
cousins, Joanne, Diane and Richie (Prish) and children. Best friends, Chris
Gravley and Matt McCary of Carrollton, Texas; girlfriend, Jennifer Stevenson of
Munising; and a host of other family and friends from Texas, Michigan and
Wisconsin.
Preceded in death by great-grandfather, George Stimac; great-grandparents, Cecil
and Annabell Burley; and great-grandparents, Johan and Franzrska Link.
Preston, we can’t even put into words how much we will miss you. We know that no
one ever really “dies” as long as they are kept alive in our hearts. We promise
to keep you alive in our thoughts, our words and in our hearts forever. We look
forward to the day when we join you in your wonderful new life in the presence
of God and we are all together again forever and ever. Preston, we love you!
Visitation for Preston will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on
Sunday from 5 until 8 p.m. A Parish Vigil Service with time set aside for
sharing of stories and memories will be held at 7 p.m. Father Frank M. Lenz will
celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, May 5, 2008, at 4 p.m. at Sacred
Heart Church in Munising. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in
Munising. |
The Mining Journal - May 2, 2008
Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams |
Carrollton-Farmers
Branch TXGenWeb