Arthur Lee Burks was born in Preston, Georgia on August 4, 1951.  He was the son of Wilma Cox Bradshaw and the adopted son of the late Adel and Carrie Bell Hawkins Burks.

He received his formal education at the historic Ida S. Lowery School of Preston, Georgia.   Throughout his school years, he was actively involved in numerous activities and events.

At an early age,  Arthur accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior.   He was baptized and received the "right hand of fellowship" into the body of Christ at New Hope Baptist Church of Preston.  In later years after relocating to Albany, Georgia, he united with the Beulah Missionary Baptist Church where he remained a faithful servant of Christ and a dedicated member of the Usher Board and Male Chorus. He was a prayerful man who would tell everyone about the goodness of God.

Arthur was united in marriage to Geneva Roberts and they embarked upon an incredible and loving journey.  His abiding love and support for his family was the hallmark of what he lived for.   He was an extremely conscientious individual who gave his best at whatever he did.   For numerous years, Arthur was employed as a laborer with various companies in Albany and the surrounding area.  He was a true handyman in every sense of the word and was able to tackle any job put before him with seemingly endless energy.

"Sug," as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was a man of great humility, integrity, and unmatched kindness who always had a ready smile and helping hand.   His heart was filled with love and compassion and he never hesitated to encourage and support others.  He will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege  of being a part of his life.

On April 16, 2021,  Arthur/Sug answered the Master's call to eternal rest.  In addition to his adopted parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Gloria Kennedy and Willie Mae Smith; and one adopted sisters, Alsene Burks Lyles.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his beloved wife, Geneva Roberts Burks of Albany, GA; his son, Norman Burks of Athens, GA; his mother, Wilma Cox Bradshaw of Albany, GA; siblings, Carrie (Buddy) Reid, Roy Smith, Eugene (Cassandra) Kennedy, Jessie (Jennifer) Smith, Jr., Nathaniel Smith, Carolyn Hosley, Albert Smith, Mike Smith, and James Bradshaw all of Albany, GA; four grandchildren, Savion, Saneavious, Avant, and Steven; mother-in-law, Eula Roberts of Albany, GA; sister– and brothers-in-law, Rozena Roberts, Freddie Roberts, Ernest Roberts, and George Lyles, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.