Dr. William McMurtrey "Mack" Burriss, age 101, of Anderson, SC, peacefully passed away at his home on Friday, September 8, 2023. Mack was a sixth generation Andersonian. He was born July 18, 1922, the youngest son of the late Dr. Theo Luther Burriss and the late Nelle Bewley Burriss. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 69 years in 2013, Helen LeGendre Burriss. Mack attended North Anderson School, McCants Jr. High, and Boys High class of 1939 where he was captain and MVP of the football team and senior class vice president. After declining a football scholarship to other colleges, he followed his dream and attended The Citadel from 1939-1940, then Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1943. He was named "Most Outstanding Student" in his graduating class. During his time at Auburn, he met the love of his life, Helen. Mack then followed his brother and sister's footsteps by joining the military; all three served in WWII. Mack was commissioned as an officer of the Army Veterinary Corps. Mack and Helen were married in 1944, just before Mack was deployed to Italy during WWII with the 10th Mountain Division. When the war was over, he returned home to Anderson to take over his father's veterinary practice. Burriss Animal Hospital on Clemson Highway was the first animal hospital in Anderson County. There, he practiced veterinary medicine until 1982, only taking a break to serve in the Korean War where he was Captain and commanding officer of the Veterinary Corps Food Inspection Division. Mack helped establish, and for many years was the president of, the Anderson County Humane Society. He was instrumental in building the Anderson County Animal Shelter on Hwy 28 South in 1974. The Animal Shelter was named the "Dr. William "Mack" Burriss" Facility. He operated the spay and neuter clinic at the shelter, where he performed thousands of surgeries and was proud to never have lost a patient. He retired in July 2009 at 87 years of age. He served as president of the Anderson County Veterinary Association, Piedmont Veterinary Association, and Blue Ridge Veterinary Association for many years. Mack was honored by Resolutions given by the Anderson County Council in December 1997, April 2007, and July 2022. He received the 1995 SCAV Humanitarian Award for "His untiring efforts in organizing and maintaining the Anderson County Animal Shelter". Mack was awarded the 2006 Distinguished Veterinarian of the Year by the SC Association of Veterinarians. During his lifetime he maintained an active veterinary license longer than anyone in the state of South Carolina. Mack also served for 35 years as a member of the Board of Trustees of Anderson School District Five, serving as Chairman for 26 of those years. He served with the SC School Boards Association as a delegate and as Chair of Property and Casualty Ins. Trust, and various state committees. He was twice named to the All-State School Board. He was the 2001 Anderson Independent Mail recipient of the "Pointing the Way" leadership award. In 2010 United Way of Anderson awarded Mack the Communitarian of The Year. In 2012, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine awarded Mack the Distinguished Alumni Award, which he was particularly proud of receiving. Mack loved all animals; large and small. He was quoted as saying, "Animals are important to us and great companions, (they) just about become a member of the family." Pal, his childhood German Shepherd, was just that; a devoted companion and loyal brother. Mack welcomed the challenge of saving animals, even in the most desperate of circumstances. His immense knowledge, understanding, devotion and kindness put him at the top of his profession. He will be missed by the Anderson community. Mack was a long-time member, Sunday school teacher, former deacon, and elder of Central Presbyterian Church. He loved working in his beautiful yard and was known throughout the community for sharing his tomatoes. Mack was an avid tennis player and made many friends on the tennis courts. He also loved spending his weekends at the lake and watching Auburn football games. He was a great father and grandfather. He was adored by his many neighbors and community members. Mack was honorable, generous, and gifted with brilliance and an enormous heart. He was a great man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Mack was indeed the definition of a gentleman and a scholar. Mack is survived by his daughter and full-time caregiver Cindy Ann Burriss, who was his pride and joy. He is also survived by his granddaughters Lauren Chamblee Heaton (Cory) of Chester, Jan Chamblee Martin of Anderson, and Wendy Chamblee of Travelers Rest; and six great-grandchildren, Rylan and Will Heaton, McKinley and Blakely Martin, Caden Hicks, and Carter MacDonald; nieces, Kathy Burriss and Marylin Black (Jerry) of Columbia, Pat Wiley (Marvin) of Granite Falls, NC, and Pheobe Stevens (Richard Pufpaff) of Bluffton; and friend and mentee, Dr. Zach Deegan of Los Angeles, CA. In addition to his parents, Mack was preceded in death by his wife Helen LeGendre Burriss; son, Charles Douglas "Doug" Burriss; brother, Chadwick W. Burriss; nephew, Chadwick W. Burriss Jr.; sister, Theodosia "Tedo" Burriss Willis; and nephew Scott Willis. A graveside service will be held Monday, September 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at Old Silver Brook Cemetery with Reverend Dr. Michael York and Reverend Noelle Read officiating. The family will be at the residence and will greet family and friends immediately following the service. The family would like to thank nurses Shannon, Donna, and Heather along with everyone at Hospice of the Upstate for their compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Anderson County Humane Society, 407 Pearman Dairy Rd., Anderson, SC 29625. Events Graveside Monday, September 18, 2023 11:00AM Old Silver Brook Cemetery 1405 White Street Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 8642312255 Final Resting Place Old Silver Brook Cemetery 1405 White Street Anderson, SC 29621