Walter "Sticky" Burch

Walter Burch Obituary

Burch, Walter "Sticky"

Walter "Sticky" Burch passed from this life into his eternal life on Thursday, July 28th, at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Sticky lived a very full and rich life of almost 104 years. When asked about his longevity, he replied, "It's easy to look back over 10 decades and see that the Good Lord had a plan for me all along â€" I thank Him every day for how He has blessed me!"

Sticky was born in Asheville but lived in Greensboro for his entire life. He attended Greensboro (Grimsley) High School, where he earned his nickname of "Sticky" playing football under Coach Bob Jamieson. After attending high school and one year in college at Presbyterian College, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the US Air Force where he arrived in the European Theater in time to fly combat photo reconnaissance missions. Sticky Burch was a Greensboro police officer for 40 years and was assistant chief of police at the time of his retirement from the Greensboro Police Department. He served as sheriff of Guilford County for two terms from 1986 to 1994.

While working for the Greensboro Police Department, he worked in each division of the department or was the commanding officer over each of the police divisions. He received over 2500 hours of police training and made it a priority to attend the Southern Police Institute, the FBI National Academy, and numerous other police trainings. Through his training and experience, he was able to provide leadership and direction needed to overcome trying times during his career, especially the 1960s and 1970s. During an interview about Greensboro Police Department's role in the Woolworth Sit-ins in the 1960s, Sticky stated, "They hadn't been taught to live together as God's people". His Christian faith helped to guide him in his leadership and service to humanity. He was a living example of God's word and believed we truly are all God's children. He was an active member of Congregational United Church of Christ.

Outside of law enforcement and his dedication to his church, he is well known for his service and contributions to the Masonic Temple and The Oriental Shrine Club, where he rose to become Potentate of the Oasis Temple in 1975. He was a member of the Greensboro Jaycees until he aged out and served as a member of the Jaycee Old Timers. Sticky was also a member of the Greensboro Rotary Club. Sticky was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Jones Burch.

Sticky leaves behind twin girls, Lynda Jacks (Russell) and Brenda Bower (Dickie); and a son, Chip Burch (Geraldine). He was "PawPaw Sticky" to seven grandchildren: Amy Bunch (Robert), Ashlie Reaves (Lawrence), Tom Monroe (Laurae), Billy Teague (Melanie), Chuck Burch, Lori Burch, and Lindsey Griffin (Trent); six great-grandchildren, Patrick Lanier (Claire), Jordan Nievinski, Lydia Reaves, Grace Reaves, Addison Burch and Wade Burch; as well as two great-great-grandchildren, Brooks and Mac Lanier. He also leaves behind thousands of friends.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and love to Heritage Greens and staff for their commitment to Mr. Burch for the last several years; as well as Beth Tracey and Scott Weaver, PA-C. The family is also eternally grateful to his special caregivers: Rose, Rashita, and Stella of Options Mission who ensured that he was loved and cared for in his final days.

"The only reason we feel such profound loss is because we had such a profound blessing. How sad we are now, but how lucky we were. And how fortunate we are to still have all the stories and experiences and memories we shared. Let us find peace in our hearts to carry forward."

There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 4, for family members only. However, the public will be able to view the service live via Forbis & Dick's Facebook page. A celebration of life for the public to attend will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at 604 Doug Myes Place, Charlotte, NC 28262.

Online condolences at www.forbisanddick.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Aug. 2, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Burch

11 Entries

Gay Christopher Rudisill

August 6, 2022

Sticky was such a wonderful and special friend of my Dad's so I knew him since I was small. When ever I would see him through the years he was always so joyful and made me feel great and care about.
I will continue to lift prayers for all of Sticky's family...
From John and Rena Christopher's daughter, Gay

Gay Christopher Rudisill

August 6, 2022

I will always remember what a wonderful, caring man Sticky was. He and my Dad were such close friends and
he always made me feel special when I saw him ! I send prayers of comfort to all of Sticky's family...
In love, John and Rena Christopher's daughter, Gay

Lee Caviness

August 3, 2022

So sad, but just knowing Sticky could make you glad. A very fine man with a fantastic family. I was lucky to have known him and his family for many years, and was lucky to have worked with him on GPD and to be a Jaycee Old Timer with him. There was no finer man than Sticky. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his many many friends.

Joe Perkins

August 2, 2022

Sticky was in high school with my mother and I was in the same one with his daughters Lynda and Brenda. He was more than gracious to us as was Mary because at least two or three of us guys were always taking up space in his living room most days when he got home. I know he was glad when the girls went off to college at ECU. Guess what? Several of us went there too. Congratulations Sticky on a long and faithful life!

Mary Rakestraw

August 2, 2022

I offer my deepest condolences to Sticky´sfamily. He was a gentleman an asset to Greensboro and Guilford County and demonstrated a life well lived.

Roger K. Brown

August 2, 2022

It was a privilege to work with the City of Greensboro while Sticky was there. The Parks and Recreation Department staff, as well as myself as Director, was the recipient of his wise advise on many occasions.

Thanks, Sticky.

Alan Smith

August 2, 2022

I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.

BJ Barnes

August 2, 2022

A man of strength and conviction and gentleman to boot. His commitment to the community, the Shriners and his profession are stuff legends are made of. Sticky my friend you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

Robin D Riley

August 2, 2022

I will truly miss my friend and his warm smile coming by the desk at HG .

Larry O. Collins

August 2, 2022

I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to the family of a man I absolutely admired. Sticky was without a doubt a gentleman's gentleman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May the good Lord bless and comfort the family during this time of sorrow.

Leslie Lippa

August 2, 2022

I had the privilege of working with Sticky for many years at the 100 Club. I never met a more wonderful, intelligent, interesting and truly kind man than Sticky. I held him in such high regard and know that he will be sorely missed by all. I´m thankful that our lives intersected and that I had the honor to know him.

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