Billie Michael Burleson

Billie "Michael" Burleson, 66, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026. He was born on October 25, 1959, in Albemarle, North Carolina.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose kind heart and easygoing nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He truly never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone. His warm smile, down-to-earth personality, and genuine interest in others made him well-loved by family, friends, coworkers, and everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Michael graduated from Leto High School in Tampa, Florida. Throughout his life, he built a career founded on hard work, dedication, and integrity. He worked as a professional truck driver, in automobile sales, as a multi-location store manager for Kimbrell's Furniture, and later as Resident Maintenance Manager for CAMG. His greatest passion, however, was driving a semi. He loved life on the road and took great pride in his work.

His final employment was with Elite Construction in Ocala, Florida, where he often said, "I love my job." He spoke highly of his boss and coworkers, always saying they were a wonderful group of people. Michael was respected by those he worked alongside and frequently came home with stories from his day. When traveling for work, he enjoyed cooking lunch on his camp stove grill not only for himself but also for the men he worked with, reflecting his generous and caring spirit.

When he wasn't working, Michael could almost always be found doing what made him happiest—fishing. Whether it was on the river, in Cedar Key, surf fishing at Vilano Beach, or relaxing on the family's pontoon boat, fishing was his happy place. He was also a loyal fan of the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes and loved gathering with family to play Phase 10, where his incredible luck often led him to victory.

Above all else, Michael loved his family. He treasured every moment spent with them and was always ready with a smile, a laugh, or a story. His love, kindness, and unwavering devotion will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Diane Burleson; his son, Billy Michael Burleson, Jr.; his stepdaughter, Christine Shaw; his daughter-in-law, Aimee Brady Burleson; his cherished grandchildren, Sebastian Burleson, Savannah Burleson, and Landon Clements; his sister, Bonita Burleson; his brother-in-law, Richard Dawes; his sister-in-law, Elaine Smith; and his nephews, John, Chris, Dustin, Jamie, Chad, and Richard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mitchell Britt; his mother, Mary "Frances" Britt; his brothers, Donnie Burleson and Roger Burleson; his stepson, Roy "Rusty" Pool; and his parents-in-law, Richard and Ann Dawes.

Michael's legacy is one of hard work, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love for his family. Though his absence leaves a tremendous void, the countless memories he created and the lives he touched will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who knew and loved him.

He will be greatly missed and forever loved.