Burl Claborn

1925 - 2014

Burl D. Claborn - SAVANNAH - Burl D. Claborn passed away in Savannah, Georgia at Memorial University Medical Center early Saturday morning, April 19, 2014, after a short illness that interrupted an 88 year life of laughter, encouragement and giving that emanated from this loving father, veteran and long-time Savannah businessman. He was born in Albany, Kentucky on May 2, 1925. Burl was a highly decorated Army retired Sergeant First Class, honored and visited in his home by former field commanders and generals alike for the contributions he had made to the military units to which he was assigned and the personal lives of those he cheerfully and honorably served in and out of the Army. He was also a Kentucky Colonel, an honor bestowed on him by the Governor of Kentucky. Older Savannah natives may still smile remembering him during the times when Tanner's Hot Dog and Fruit Drink counter buzzed with the business of downtown shoppers and business people. Other folks recall the Kessler's Restaurant at the State Farmer's Market serving up Turkey and dressing for working people who yearned for a delicious home cooked meal. Burl and Anna Claborn labored happily among their customers making all that happen for the people of Savannah and Garden City. At nearly 89, He cooked his last full family meal with all the fixins only a week or so before his last illness. Burl tended to his life-time love of 61 years, Anna Jewel Cowan through the last ten years of her struggle with multiple strokes and who preceded him in death on August 16, 2010. As in each of his endeavors, he performed this work of love with passion, with a plan that he worked each and every day and night. He never complained. He never criticized. Surviving members of his family include his devoted son, Burl D. Buddy Claborn, Jr. and his wife Lindy, daughter, Dorothy Lee Doll, and her husband, Henry, a son, Elmer H. Pete Young and his wife, Carol, all of whom he loved and cared for as his own since their early childhood. He left many grandchildren: Kimberly Batts, Deanna Douglas, Denny Claborn, David Glisson, Henry Doll, Jr., Jane Beebe, Kathi Hodgins, Rebecca Suppes, Christopher Young, Marshall Young, Theresa Young, John Young (deceased) Kristi Smith, Angie Byrd and Mike McCorkle. He took great delight in each of these and more than a score of great-grandchildren. His deep Kentucky roots connected him to a father, Joe Kelly Claborn, mother, Emma Taylor Claborn; brothers, Eugene Claborn, Creed Claborn, AC Claborn, Robert Claborn, JB Claborn; sisters, Josephine Dyer, and Imogene Owens. Their wives and husbands, his numerous nieces and nephews were always cherished. Burl was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Savannah, Savannah Elks Club and the Savannah Exchange Club. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Immanuel Baptist Church, with The Rev. Steve Batts officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice. Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com Savannah Morning News April 21, 2014 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannnahnow.com/obituaries.