Burl Jackson Word, husband of 57 years to Ruby Word, father of three, grandfather of eight, and friend or relative to many, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Wednesday, September 28, 2011.
The family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville, Hwy, Gainesville, GA 30501 on Friday, September 30, 2011.
A memorial service will be held at Chestnut Mountain Church, 4903 Chestnut Mountain Circle, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.
Burl was born April 12, 1926 in LaGrange Georgia. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 on the U.S.S. Brooklyn as a 3rd Class Radioman. Burl was a graduate of the University of Georgia in 1949, receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration. While he was at the University of Georgia, he was a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity where he met several lifelong friends. He was employed by Ford Motor Company from graduation until retirement in 1985.
Burl met the love of his life at age 28 in the Egyptian Ballroom at Atlanta's Fox Theatre. They were married three months later on October 16, 1954. He is survived by his wife Ruby and their three children and eight grandchildren:
Kathy & Rick Ferguson: children Nikolai, Veronika, and Michael
David & JoLynn Word: children Lauren, and Stephanie
Larry & Rebecca Word: children Taylor, Jon Tucker, and Trenton.
Burl was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Each member of his family grew up with the confidence that they could always count on him and that he loved them unconditionally. He strived to always see the positive in life and will always be remembered singing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning, Oh What a Beautiful Day, I've got a wonderful feeling, everything's going my Way." What an inspiration!
Burl didn't just enjoy the life he lived; he was always taking action to make the world better. Either through supporting and caring for his siblings and friends, helping those in his Chestnut Mountain Church community and neighborhood, writing letters to his congressmen and senators, commenting on radio channels, petitioning unfavorable activities, and educating those he loved through emails, he made positive change happen!
He would want everyone to think upon this quote: "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming "Wow" What a Ride.!!" He Did.
Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, S.W., Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.
