Roy "Burly" Burlison

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Visitation Schedule
Maumelle High School
100 Victory Lane
Maumelle, AR  72113
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
6:00-7:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Maumelle High School
100 Victory Lane
Maumelle, AR  72113
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
I served in the Navy.
Roy "Burly" Burlison

of Little Rock, AR

October 18, 1945 - May 11, 2017

Roy ''Burly'' Burlison was a man that lived life beyond its limits. Roy did everything with passion, compassion and a drive that few could match. Roy was selfless and thought of others in everything that he did. His love for his wife, Linda was seen by everyone that knew him. His pet name for her was ''Baby duck''. He never explained that one to her or anyone else, but, we are certain that it had something to do with the beauty he saw in animals and all of God's creation. Linda was his life, his soul and his partner forever.

Roy made an impact on the fast pitch softball community that will last forever. He was a coach, mentor, father and grandfather to many. He loved his girls more than life itself. There was never a time that he wouldn't happily talk about the game or the girls that he was coaching. We could sit for hours and hear about the girl's successes or challenges in practice or on the diamond. Roy was even more proud of the girl's success in the classroom. He shared often that he stressed the importance of education more than his beloved game of softball. Softball was his passion, but, his love was for his girls and the impact that he could leave on their success in the game of life.

Roy loved his kids, grandkids and his immediate and extended family. His greatest love was his Alexis, Brennon and his YoYo, Halley. They brought love, joy and smiles to him daily with conversation, texts, hugs and kisses. He told them often how proud he was and constantly encouraged them to be the best they could be at whatever they chose to do. His favorite four words were , ''I love you Paw''.

Roy's impact on fast pitch softball in the US has been recognized by many. Some players never win an ASA fast pitch national championship, although their individual performance is outstanding. Nine times pitcher Roy Burlison, who had overpowering speed, competed in the ASA Men's Major Fast Pitch National Championship, but never came home a national champion during a 27-year career. The closest he came was in 1969 when, then 23, Burlison hurled the Fairchild Falcons of Mountain View, CA to a second place. Born October 18, 1945, Burlison had an outstanding tourney. He won seven of nine games and struck out 108 batters in 62 innings, allowing 26 hits and 11 runs. His performance earned him the tourney MVP award as well as a first-team All-America selection. Burlison said winning that MVP award in his first national was the greatest thrill of his career. He also won the MVP award in the 1971 ASA Men's National Fast Pitch Championship. In national championship play, he won 23 games and lost 14 for a winning percentage of .649. During his career he won more than 700 games and lost less than 100 with 14 perfect games. He retired as an active player in 1993. Roy was inducted into the Missouri Hall of Fame, Indiana Hall of Fame and Ohio Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in Men's Fast Pitch Softball. His impact on Men's Fast Pitch Softball will live forever.

Roy's professional career spanned 33 years with one company, Anixter. Roy was a true leader and led many to success throughout his career. He retired in March of 2004, after a long and successful career.

Roy leaves many behind that will someday meet him in heaven. His family still on earth are his wife and soulmate, Linda Burlison, sons, Aaron and his wife, Rene', Shannon and his wife, Carri, Brent and his wife, Alexis and Kevin, his grandchildren, Alexis Gamewell, Brennon Gamewell and Halley Gamewell, Betty Ray, sister, Debbie Whitt and David Ray, niece and nephew, Michael and Regina Burlison, his nephew and niece. Many that have gone before him are holding him and hearing his laugh today. Those family members are, his mother, Emma Lee, his father JR, his brother Sonny and his aunt Francis Evelyn Roberts.

Honorary pallbearers are his teammates from his days in the United States Navy to the many professional teams that he played with throughout his career. He loved every teammate and cherished his days while playing and the times he spent after retirement when they got together to reminisce.

A Celebration of Roy's life will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at Maumelle High School, with a gathering of friends beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration Service at 7:00 P.M. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501)224-8300.



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7 Condolence(s)
John Walstad
Edmond, OK
Liked
Saturday, June 5, 2021

Growing up in Joplin and having played fast pitch for several years during summers while in college, I had the true honor of watching Roy pitch in a tournament. He was just unbelievable with his speed and the things he could make the ball do. His riser was awesome, coming in about knee high and then just exploding upward.

It was fun to watch him pitch.

Michele Forbush and Kayla Landers
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Roy was an inspiration and coach to Kayla for many years. We were new to Arkansas and when we met him, he helped us navigate the Arkansas softball programs. Kayla and I both learned so much from him not only on pitching, but about life and patience. He and Linda were an important part of our lives. My heart aches for Linda and the family. He will greatly missed by all.

Kayla (Landers) Butler and Michele (Landers) Forbush
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

We are so thankful to have known Roy. He was an amazing coach, teacher, and friend. Ms. Linda, we are praying for you and the rest of the family. He taught me (Kayla) so much about the game of softball, pitching, and life in general. Lessons with him were the highlight of my day. Going in there to visit on my days off just to say hi were just as great. He will always be in our hearts and will never be forgotten. Love you Ms. Linda!!

Steve, Mary, Skylar, Mackenzie, & Sydney Whisnant
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

We are so thankful to be able to say all three of our daughters learned pitching under Roy and Jennifer. He was such a patient coach and always had positive comments. I really enjoyed following him on FB and seeing what he posted about all the other pitchers throughout Arkansas. Young women drove 2 or 3 hours one way each week for years from the four corners of Arkansas to learn from Roy. Just reading his FB page and seeing what they all posted still brings tears to my eyes. Our prayers go out to him and his family. He will be greatly missed.

Tom Lewis
Jenks, OK
Liked
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Condolences to Linda and Family. Spent time with Roy the few years he was in Tulsa. Hardest throwing softball pitcher I ever tried to catch. He really enjoyed life and had a great sense of humor. And when he put on that uniform and stepped across that white line, he was a competitor and gave it 100% for the team. Many times I have seen him stop and visit with a fan that wanted to talk softball. He was a great ambassador for the game.

Jason and Candi Burris
Redfield, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Linda, we are just heartbroken. Roy impacted Sydnee's life by more than teaching her how to pitch. He was ALWAYS there for her when she needed him. From that 8 year old blowfish to the 22 year old college player, she held him near and dear as we all did. We love you all so much! Praying for you!

Robert Watson
Bloomington, IL
Liked
Monday, May 15, 2017

My sincere condolences to Linda and Family. I'm proud to have known Roy and truthfully call him a friend. He will be greatly missed!