Co-Author Of Okie From Muskogee's Funeral On Friday

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- A Tulsa native and musician who co-wrote the song, "Okie from Muskogee," has died. 

Roy Edward Burris died Tuesday of heart-related problems at a Tulsa hospital.

He was 79.

Roy Burris was the drummer for Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers, in the 1960's. 

According to his wife the band was on a tour bus in 1969 when highway signs indicating the distance to Muskogee inspired Haggard to begin writing "Okie from Muskogee."  

She says Haggard woke Burris up and they finished the song in 10 minutes.

His funeral will be Friday in Pryor at Stephens Memorial Chapel at 10 a.m.