Rev. Leroy Burns, age 79, of Demorest passed away Monday, April 5, 2010, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born in Habersham County on March 13, 1931, he was the son of the late Willie E. and Lizzie Phillips Burns. Rev. Burns was retired from Yonah Reality and he served our country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. During his pastorate, Rev. Burns served at Unity Baptist Church for nine years and also at Landmark Baptist Church for six years and he was a member of Grace Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, camping, wrestling and baseball. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julia Armour.
Surviving are wife of 57 years, Blanche Davis Burns of Demorest; daughter, Diane Whitmire of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Larry & Frances Burns of Mt. Airy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar & Vernia Burns of Demorest, Wilson & Tex Burns of Clarkesville and Nelson & Sybil Burns of Alto; sisters, Frances Wade and Winnie Lee Burns both of Carnesville and Nancy Cunningham of Jonesboro; sisters and brothers-in-law, Vernia & Andy Johnson of Cornelia and Eunice & David Shirley of Alto; grandchildren, Angela Burns of Cornelia, Samantha Dills and her husband, Allen of Cleveland, Tonya Parson and her husband, Lee of Gillsville; great-grandchildren, Christian Parson, Destiny Parson, Madison Parson, Blake Dills and Gracie Dills.
Funeral services are 2:00 pm Thursday, April 8, 2010, at the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Steve Lewallen, Rev. Phillip Yarber and Rev. Alvin Burns officiating. Interment will follow in Hazel Creek Baptist Church cemetery with Rev. Billy Burrell officiating and full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, Rabun County DAV Chapter #15 and the Georgia National Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 7:00-9:00 pm Tuesday, April 6th and also from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 pm on Wednesday, April 8th. The family is at the residence of his son, Larry Burns, 489 Ansley Road, Demorest, GA 30535.
An online guest register is available at
www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706.778.8668) is in charge of arrangements.
