Fred Thomas "Tommy" Burks

b. 22 May 1940, Cookeville, Putnam Co., TN
d. 19 October 1995, Putnam Co., TN
Wife: Charlotte Rose Gentry md 1960
Father: Walter Fred Burks (1907-1962)
Mother: Christine Gilliam (1920-2007)
Buried: Crest Lawn Cemetery, Putnam Co., TN

Burks was murdered by his Republican Party opponent Byron Looper less than a month before his likely re-election. His widow, Charlotte, ran for his seat and won, becoming the first TN State Senator to win as a write-in candidate and one of very few American politicians to win as a write-in candidate ever. Interstate 40 through Putnam and Cumberland counties is named the "Tommy Burks Memorial Highway".

To serve others is the most
lasting treasure one can receive.
Tommy Burks