Douglas Aaron Burker

Douglas Aaron Burker, 29, of Stanley, VA, left this world to be with his Daddy and brothers on Friday, March 15, 2024.

He was born on August 26, 1994, in Harrisonburg, VA, and was one of the identical twin sons of Angela P. Burker and the late James A. Burker.

Douglas graduated in 2013 from PCHS in Shenandoah, VA. He recently completed wildland firefighter training with Miller Timber Services Inc. in Philomath, OR, and had aspirations of becoming a full-time wildland firefighter. He was employed in various jobs from carpentry, home pest control, tree-trimming, landscaping, truck driving and woodworking. He always said he could do a little bit of everything and was a jack-of-all-trades and master of none.

He often rode shotgun in big rigs with his twin brother, Ray, and many times they traveled together hauling to all parts of the USA. 

Douglas enjoyed the beauty of nature and often in his spare time went fishing, hunting, camping, hiking in the mountains and gardening. He was anxiously awaiting spring gobbler season, hunting morels and planting a garden and growing ghost peppers. 

Douglas enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful Appalachian pieces that he would gift to family and friends. His favorite TV shows were “Gunsmoke” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” Like his brother, Ray, he wished the world was more simple and honest.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his brother, Justin A. Burker; sister-in-law Rachel M. Burker; niece Autumn L. Burker; twin nephews James A. and John A. Burker; nephew Mason L. Burker; maternal grandfather Ray D. Jones; and his best friend, Sweetie, that he had by his side at all times and called her his baby.

He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Burker; his oldest brother, “J.J.” James A. Burker Jr.; his identical twin brother, William “Ray” Burker; his maternal grandmother, Betty L. Jones; and his paternal grandparents, George W. and Sadie M. Burker.

Douglas was a caring, loyal and loving son, grandson, brother, uncle and friend. His family and friends meant the world to him and Douglas would drop everything at a moments notice to help any of us. Whether giving someone a ride, cutting and getting in wood, mowing and weed-eating, plowing a driveway or carrying in groceries, he was always willing to lend a hand. If asked if he could help with whatever, he’d always smile and say “Shoot yeah!” 

Douglas stood firm, just as his brother did, for GOD, Family and Country. Like Ray, he was hardcore but had a very generous and loving heart and would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.

Douglas was quite the gentleman but also like Ray, would pull some stunts to have us all laughing. Between Douglas and Ray (we called them our Double Trouble) we never knew what to expect next and they kept life interesting.

At this time sadly once again, our hearts are broken and heavy with grief and pain over Douglas leaving us so tragically and unexpectedly. Although he is no longer physically here on earth with us, we hold all the love and wonderful memories he gave us and we will always love and cherish him and hold him close in our hearts. We do take great comfort in knowing that Douglas is now eternally happy, safe and at peace in Our Heavenly Father’s ever-loving care. 

Douglas had left me a note in a notebook of mine and oddly it fell open to his note today. It read: “Went turkey scouting” I smiled as I read his note with tears in my eyes and thought yes, he is with his Daddy and brothers now turkey scouting in heavenly hunting grounds.

John 3:16 NIV

“For GOD so loved the world that he gave HIS only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

A celebration of life service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the American Legion, Miller-Campbell-Baker Post 22, 106 Zerkel Street, Luray.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Aaron Burker, please visit our floral store.