In 1977 at the age of 12, Bill caught a trophy six-pound largemouth bass. When he discovered that it was going to cost $3.00 per linear inch to have the trophy fish mounted, he decided to learn the art of taxidermy himself. Like many other taxidermists, he sent for the mail order course from Northwestern School of Taxidermy. Within just a short time, Bill realized that taxidermy was the ultimate way to express both his artistic ability and love for wildlife.

At the age of 15, he went to work for Jim Pope, an accomplished fish and mammal taxidermist in his hometown of Haines City, FL. After four years of knowledgeable training with Jim, Bill started his own taxidermy business in Winter Haven, Florida. Along with his full-service retail business, Bill also provided a wholesale taxidermy service to several other taxidermists in Polk County, FL., and became well known for his unique ability in fleshing and mounting Wild Boar.

At the age of 23, a major change took place in Bill's life as he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. With the same passion that he'd found in taxidermy, Bill also discovered a love for studying and teaching God's Word-the Bible. Transitioning in taxidermy from full-time to part-time, Bill returned to college to earn Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees in Tennessee and Michigan Universities. During the course of his studies Bill provided wholesale taxidermy service for over a dozen taxidermy studios throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Michigan. This vast experience with so many different taxidermists gave Bill a wealth of knowledge in both the art and business of taxidermy.

Upon graduation from Seminary in 1997, Bill served as an associate and senior pastor in Orlando, FL for seven years and was formally ordained in August of 2001. In August of 2004, Bill started a not-for-profit ministry resource company called Spirit and Truth, Inc. as a means to develop Bible Study and Christian Counseling resources for churches and individuals. This move also provided Bill the opportunity to return to serving sportsmen and women through the art of taxidermy.

Bill owns and operates Back to Life Taxidermy, a full service taxidermy studio located in Orlando, Florida. You can see ongoing displays of his artistry at Bass Pro Shop's Outdoor World (Orlando, FL), Gander Mountain (Lake Mary, FL), Bitters Bait & Tackle (Longwood,FL) and Chain O' Lakes Bait & Tackle (Dundee, FL). You may also see his displays at the various Hunting and Fishing Classics at Bass Pro Shop (Orlando, FL), Safari Club International's annual Orlando chapter fundraiser, Southern Outdoors' Whitetail "Big Buck" Expo (Lakeland, FL), Stillwater Christian Center Annual Game Dinner (Haines City, FL) and Starlight Baptist Game Dinner (Winter Springs, FL).

Bill offers classes in all aspects of taxidermy, for beginners to professionals seeking to improve their artistry skills. Accomplished students have won first and second place ribbons at the Florida State Taxidermy competiton in Amateur, Commercial, & Professional Divisions.

As of 2011, Bill will be serving on the board of directors for the Florida State Taxidermy Association. Also, as a certified official measurer for SCI (Safari Club International), Bill is able to score your trophy as an added service to you.

Bill is married to Sheila, his wife of sixteen years and they have two children, Kristina and Caleb. The Burns family attends Waterstone Fellowship, a non-denominational Church located in Oviedo, where Bill also serves as a Bible teacher.