Bernis O. Burch

Rev. Bernis O. Burch, 85, of Christiansburg, passed away on December 3, 2008. He was born in Draper, N.C. (now Eden, N.C.) to John Coleman Burch and Annie Mae Williams Burch. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Grace Fuqua, Bert Foster, and Lillian Storey, of Burlington, N.C., and Margaret Underwood, of Roanoke, Va.; three brothers, John Burch and George Burch, of Burlington, N.C., Paul Burch, of Aiken S.C. He was the last of eight children. He was much loved by his survivors which include his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline Blackwell Burch; a daughter, Antonia Burch, Christiansburg; a son, Christopher Burch and wife, Susan, of Lynchburg, Va.; three grandchildren, Michael Shryock and wife, Lisa, of Acworth, Ga., Connor Burch and Audrey Burch, of Lynchburg, Va.; brother-in-law, Robert Blackwell, of Madison, N.C.; sisters-in-law, Pauline Burch, of Aiken, S.C., and Lillie Mae Burch, of Burlington, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pastor of Faith Missionary Baptist Church, in Christiansburg, Va., from October 2, 1959 to January 31, 1994, to a faithful and loving congregation. A graduate of Piedmont Bible College, he was the author of three books and wrote many other manuscripts, which have not been published. He will be greatly missed by so many friends and especially his family. He served in the Army Air Force from May 10, 1943 to January 1946. Medals for battles and campaigns were: Air Defence Japan, Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea, South Philippines (Liberation) Luzon, Ryukyus, Air Combat Borner, APT Campaign Medal with eight Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, SO #33, and Victory Medal. Per his request, there will be no visitation. Graveside service will be held at Dan View Cemetery, Eden, N.C., on Saturday, December 6, 2008, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mike Vest officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 475 Clearview Drive, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The Burch family is being served by Horne Funeral Service, Christiansburg, Va.