David E. Burrell

David E. Burrell, 68, of East Moline, passed away Monday, August 30^th, 2021 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.

Memorial services will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11^th, 2021 at Gaines Chapel, 311-19^th St. East Moline.  Pastor Cyrus Burns will officiate.  Memorials may be made to Gaines Chapel or American Heart Association | To be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives! Sullivan-Ellis Mortuary, Ltd., East Moline, is assisting the family.

David E. Burrell was born June 10^th, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois; the son of Fredis (Burton) Tingle and Sydney C. Burrell.  He grew up in East Moline, but to be more specific as he would say “I grew up in Watertown”. David graduated from United Township High School in 1971. All throughout his childhood his parents raised him to be a man of God; he was a dedicated Father and friend to many more.  David was raised in Gaines Chapel, with his Grandfather Sydney Burrell Sr. being a founding member of the church. David will be remembered for his passion for life; he had a lifelong love affair with music and sports. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers & St. Louis Cardinals fan.  He was a loving Son, Brother, Father and Grandfather; there was nothing he wouldn’t do to provide for his family. After high school David decided he wanted to serve his country & see the world. A proud Veteran of the US Army 101^st Airborne Division, honorably serving his country during wartime.  David was an extremely intelligent man.  After leaving the military he enrolled in college at Southern Illinois University, graduating with a Master’s Degree in Social Work.  His sharp wit, funny sense of humor and fantastic taste in music were always the highlight of family functions and social gatherings. David lived to help others. After college he decided to be a positive influence for those less fortunate souls by working 18 years in the East Moline Correctional center helping to run the sports, fitness and workshop programs for the inmates.  David changed career paths & relocated to Fort Worth Texas in 1999. He became a middle school teacher for special need kids for the next 21 years until his retirement, positively affecting countless young lives.  David was politically engaged, knowledgeable on current events, always exercising his will by voting in all elections.  He will be missed by many but never forgotten as he will live on in our hearts, minds, and souls.

Love you Pops, Rest in Peace.   

Those left to cherish his memory are sons Justin Burrell, and Raymond Burrell, stepson,  Chatham Lee Berry, Sr., his granddaughter, Justice Burrell, his grandsons, Chatham Lee Berry, Jr., and Kaeson Ray  Petree,  his brother Lester Burrell, niece Kara Burrell, nephew Kristopher Burrell, numerous cousins, and many more close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, uncles, and other beloved ancestors. May they Rest in Peace.

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