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Joe Burton Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
BURTON, Joe JOE BURTON Joe Burton, 86, retired State Senator, founder of the Joe Burton Co., a native Atlantan, and a longtime resident of DeKalb County died Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Son of the late Louis and Lillian Stroupe Burton, he was a graduate of Commercial High. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1942 and was the lead navigator of his division, the 310th Bomb group, in the European Theatre. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Europe-Africa-Middle East ribbon with two Stars. After the war he graduated from GA Tech in 1949 obtaining a BS in Industrial Management. He married the love of his life, Bessie Lucille Walraven on April 15, 1950. He was recalled back into the Air force during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning home once again from defending his country, he held various sales positions and in 1963 formed the Joe Burton Co., a building specialty sales company. He was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1972 serving ten years. And then was elected to the State Senate in 1982 serving 20 years. He served on the Advisory Boards of the Salvation Army, Metro Youth Council, Goodwill Industries, Friends of Disabled Adults and Children, Birthright International, BPOE, DeKalb County PTA Council, and was a tireless supporter of the United Way and Red Cross. He was also a Little League Coach and Youth Counselor. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Virginia Louise "Ginny" Burton. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Bessie W. Burton; daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and Hunter Wood of Peachtree City, Carolyn and Allen Thomas of Rydal; son and daughter-in-law, Lewis Burton and Denise Nickerson of Lawrenceville; grandchildren, Rebecca Wood, Kerry Wood, Sunshine Thomas, and Belle Thomas. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 2nd at 2 P.M. at Oak Grove United Methodist Church where Senator Burton was a longtime member. Rev. Glenn Ethridge will officiate. The Senator will lie in repose at the church from 1 p.m. until the hour of service. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens with military honors. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 930188, Norcross, GA 30003 or one of the Senator's favorite charities. Friends were invited to visit with the family Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at A. S. Turner & Sons, 404-292-1551. Express tributes to the family by visiting www.asturner.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joe Burton
Melissa Smith Phillips
November 6, 2009
To Senator Burton's family ...
I served with him on the GA Veterans Day Parage board. He was a true friend to the men and women who served - as he understood their journey. He was kind and warm and witty and sweet - all wrapped in one loving smile. He was always close by with his camera to capture a special shot of a soldier on the parade route, or a child holding the flag. This country is shy one great human being today because Senator Burton is gone. Those who shared in his life have more stardust in their heart because he lived.
Farewell sweet on.
Pat Allison
October 10, 2009
Bessie, I was out of town when I heard the news. Joe was a great example of his generation of great men. He and my dad, Homer, were men of impeccable character and ethics. He served his country, his community and his friends and family with a servant's heart. God has blessed him with his special place in heaven. So sorry for your loss and hope that you can find comfort from knowing you shared your husband with many who loved him.
Pat (Cronin) Allison
Victor Hancock
October 7, 2009
The Men of the 57th Bomb Wing Association, in it's 41st Reunion, express their sorrow over the passing of this great leader. His accomplishments during his service as Lead Navigator for the 310th Bomb Group were noted by all who served with him. We of the 57th Association will always hold in our memory his service as our President and recipient of the organization's prestigious Service Award. To Bessie our prayers for you and your family are sent your way--not only today but on every day Joe comes to our mind; which will be often.
Victor Hancock, Editor, Men of the 57th Journal.
October 5, 2009
Dear Bessie,
Senator Burton was such a kind and honorable man. It was a pleasure to know him.
My sympathy to you and your family.
Anne Perry
Bob Short
October 3, 2009
I shall never forget Joe Burton and our annual work as bell ringers for the Salvation Army at Northlake Plaza. I also had the pleasure of working with him on many occasions while he served in the Georgia Senate. He always put the people first, a characteristic we need more of in public service today, Bob Short (Lake Nottely).
Gloria Danner
October 3, 2009
So many wonderful memories of such a wonderful Christian man, his little wooden elephants, his twinkling eyes, his great big smile. I am glad to have had the pleasure of working with and for this great man.
Jed Harris
October 2, 2009
My condolences to the family of Joe Burton. Joe was a fine man...a great example of Servant Leadership. It was my pleasure to serve with Joe in the General Assembly during the early 1990's.
Sincerely,
Ninelle Johnson
October 2, 2009
Bessie, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's death. I know this will leave a big void in your life. He was a good man and loved by many. I remember he would come by the office at Accent Graphic's and we printed signs for his up coming race for the Senate. Many good memories. I am married now to my high school sweetheart and we have a log cabin about 30 miles East of Columbus, Ga. His name is Richard Johnson, so I am now, Ninelle Johnson. I have been a widow for 26 years can you believe it. Just wanted you to know I have you and family in my prayers. Blessings,Ninelle (Hickman) Johnson
Tom Lau
October 2, 2009
Pat
I will have them add your Father's name to the COS Lutheran Church Prayer Concerns list.
Tom
Bob Morris
October 2, 2009
R.I.P, Hero of the Handicapped!
Rica and Gene Kelly
October 2, 2009
Senator Joe will be MISSED by so many of us who were thankful for knowing him. He was such a huge help to us at LGSL (Lilburn Girls Softball League), tirelessly working to help our organization to improve our fields. Always the gentleman and a truly caring person. The world is indeed a better place for Joe's having been here.
Our condolences to the family, and know that he has our greatest respect. Sincerely, Gene and Rica Kelly
Marilyn & Allan Wasserman
October 2, 2009
To Bessie and Family,
Jim Wooten said it so well today - Joe was a class act. We will remember him for his selflessness and his humility in spite of his many accomplishments. Most of all, we'll remember that warm smile. Our deepest condolences.
Jeff Kitchen
October 2, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was always one of my favorite people. Joe coached me and many of my friends on many church softball and basketball teams when I was growing up. I can remember all of us piling into Joe's station wagon and him driving us to a game somewhere. He always had a smile on his face and seemed to have as much fun as we did. We then continued to play softball together on our church adult teams for many years. He was a terrific athlete and was our regular pitcher for a long, long time. It has been an honor to know him and to be considered his friend. I can remember the honor it was for me to vote for him time and time again. He was a special man who I will miss forever. All my sympathies to his family. He will surely be missed by all. Thanks for everything Joe!
Sheila Melnyczuk
October 1, 2009
To Carolyn and Family. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you all.
Mike,Sheila,and Adriane
John Melnyczuk
October 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you Bessie, Carolyn and family. He will be missed. May God comfort and strengthen you.
October 1, 2009
Bessie & Family, I just heard of Joe's death today. Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am. I have some very fond memories of "cousin Joe".
Just know that my thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Carolyn Murphy
(Daughter of Kathryn & Harold Hickman)
(Sister of Roy Hickman)
Julia Casey
October 1, 2009
I campaigned for Senator Burton through two elections, proud to have been a part of his legacy.
Charles Akins
October 1, 2009
A great man, and a great American. Honored to have grown up a neighbor and friend of Lewis and Mr. Burton and their loving family.
A strong and humble servant to his country and community and a fine example of consistent "leadership by example" to all those who knew him and his work. Peace be to you and your family.
Tom Wilder
October 1, 2009
Joe was a wonderful Legislator who lead the way for we few Republicans in the Legislature back in the good old days. It was not an easy job, but Joe never gave up trying to do what was right for the citizens in his district and for the State of Georgia. He was fun to be around and was always a gentleman.
October 1, 2009
I work for Friends of Disabled Adults and Children where Mr. Burton was a longtime board member. We greatly appreciate his tireless efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.
Kevin Riggs
FODAC
Bob & Judy Humphries
October 1, 2009
It has been our pleasure to serve with Senator Burton on the Atlanta Veterans Day Parade Association. Our life has been enriched and blessed by his knowledge and experience. He will truly be missed. He was a great American!
Jim Blaylock
October 1, 2009
Senator Burton will always be remembered as the humble, gallant,and Patriotic stalwart that he proved to be on all issues. Always a man of his word, with integrity, character, and dependability; he will be affectionately missed.
Eric Pohl
September 30, 2009
I will miss Mr. Burton and regret I didn't have the oppurtunites to spend more time with him. I am sorry for the loss of such a upstanding and respected man.
Eric
Joanne Wilson Terry
September 30, 2009
Uncle Joe and Aunt Bessie...you have been there for Richard, Jonathan and me for as long as I can remember. One of my first memories is being the flower girl in your wedding. Next is the Christmas on Gilbert Street when you gave me a baton (from Santa!) You both continued to "stand by" through the years, supporting and encouraging us. We three have so many wonderful memories. You both enriched and helped to shape our lives. Although we have not been close these last years, we will all miss Uncle Joe terribly. We are thinking of you, Aunt Bessie, and the rest of the family. Please know just how much we love you all.
P. Thomas
September 30, 2009
To the Family of Joe Burton,
Although I did not personally know Mr. Burton, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest sympathy to your family. No doubt the loss of such a dear loved one will be felt by many. Long ago the faithful man Job asked if an able-bodied man died could he live again. The comforting answer came in the verses that follow. Not only is it encouraging to know that the answer is yes, but even more so knowing that the reason is that the Creator will have a "yearning for the works of his hand" (Job 14:13-15). May these and other promises continue to carry your family in this crucial period.
Again, I like to express my sincerest condolences
Portia Sharpe ( Revelation 21:3,4 )
September 30, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 30, 2009
Uncle Joe will be missed greatly by his great nieces and nephews, they send their love to the family. Aunt Bessie we love you.
Love, Toni Wilson Asbell
Elaina Wilson and Children
Shannon Wilson and family
Shawn Wilson and family
Michael Wilson and family
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory2773 North Decatur Road P.O. Box 4000, Decatur, GA 30031
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