Burton was known for playing Tony "Duke" Evers in the first six Rocky films between 1976 to 2006.
His iconic character was first introduced as the coach for Rocky Balboa's rival Apollo Creed.
He later became Balboa's manager.
Burton was one of only four actors to appear in the first six Rocky films.
The cause of his death is still unknown but daughter Loretta Kelley told Michigan press that he had been "in and out of the hospital for the past year".
She said that he had never received an official diagnosis for his illness.
@E_Woodyard @TheSlyStallone Sad news. RIP Tony Burton. His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful. #BePeace— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) February 26, 2016
Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the popular franchise today paid tribute to Burton on Twitter.
He wrote: "His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful."
Former classmate Gerald Moore said: "It's just like someone in my own family passed.
"Whenever we got together we would reminisce on old times."
Burton - who was from Flint, Michigan - fought professionally and won Flint Golden Gloves light heavyweight titles in 1955 and again in 1957 before he began his acting career.
His ill health had stopped him from seeing the recent Rocky spin-off starring most of the original cast.
The actor had a brief cameo in Creed, which was released in the UK last month.
He appears on screen as part of a flashback with scenes recycled from an earlier film.
Burton also appeared in The Shining and Stir Crazy.
His last role was in 2007's Sheriff Stoker in comedy-horror Hack!
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