Raymond "Ray" J. Burda

Raymond “Ray” J. Burda, Jr., 75, of Amarillo, passed away on Tuesday, November 18,2025. A mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 24, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral in Amarillo with Father Avitas Siriwa as celebrant. Inurnment will be at 2:30 P.M. on Monday at Llano Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at St. Mary’s.

Ray was born on September 28, 1950 in Ft. Worth, Texas to Raymond J. and MaryAnn (Binnion) Burda, Sr. He grew up in Ft. Worth and married Vicki Carter on December 16, 1968 in Weatherford, Texas. They moved to Amarillo when he began working as a landscape architect. He was also an insurance agent in Amarillo.

Ray and Vicki have been faithful members of St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral since 1974. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Council 1450 where he served as past Grand Knight and Trustee. He became a member of St. Mary’s Choir in 1986 and was a member of St. Mary’s Parish Council.

Ray loved fishing and hunting, but his greatest passion was singing. Having performed with the Amarillo Opera, his all-time favorite performance was Carmen. He immensely enjoyed the outdoors and working in the yard, and his family lovingly referred to him as ‘The Master Piddler.’

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Jim Greer.

Survivors include his wife of almost 57 years, Vicki Burda of Amarillo; three daughters, Karissa Greer, Adrea Pearson and husband, Max, and Amanda Chisum and husband, Ron all of Amarillo; six grandchildren, William Sims and wife, Alexandra, Kaitlin Downs and husband, Zac, Brenden Pearson and wife, Madison, Bryce Pearson, Kloe Anderson and fiancé, Evin Mcleland, and Savanna Anderson; two absolutely perfect great grandsons, Beck Alan and Brooks Allen; two brothers, Glen Burda and wife, Suzanne, and Charlie Burda and wife Debbie; two sisters, Judy Kwong and husband, Pete, and Amy Crowley and husband, Mark; and several nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

The family suggests memorials be to St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, 1200 S. Washington St., Amarillo, TX 79102 or online to Knights of Columbus, Council 1450.