Charles Burke

Charles Burke MAIDEN Charles Ray Burke, 75, of Maiden, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 23, 2011, at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. Born Sept. 18, 1936, in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Elmer Preston Burke and the late Pinkie Turbyfill Burke. Charles was a member of Cornerstone Church in Maiden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Austin L. Josey, and a special nephew, Timothy D. Burke. Charles was born and raised with a heart and love for gospel music. From the time he was a child, he sang in church and was singing in a real Southern Gospel Quartet by the age of 18. Through the years, he devoted countless hours and support to the industry, being most distinguished by his ownership of the Singing Americans and service as a board member of the Southern Gospel Music Association and National Quartet Convention. His many business ventures blessed him with countless friends who will cherish his vibrant personality and gift for story-telling. His generosity and love of people is best expressed through the ministry of Burke Mortuary where he served as president. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Lowman Burke, of the home; his daughter, Donna B. Goodson, and her husband, Franky, of Maiden; two sons, Michael Burke and his wife, Tina, of Maiden; Dwayne Burke and his wife, Donna, of Maiden; six grandchildren, April G. Rummage and her husband, Rev. Matt Rummage; Greg Goodson and his wife, Rachel; Kristen B. Dellinger and her husband, Wesley; Bradley Burke, Hannah Burke, and Logan Burke; five great-grandchildren, Alli Rummage, Macy Rummage, Luke Rummage, Grant Rummage, Ella Burke; two brothers, Udean Burke and his wife, Nancy, of Maiden; Rondel Burke and his wife, Becky, of Lin-colnton; his sister, Rebekah B. Josey, of Maiden; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at Cornerstone Church in Maiden with the Revs. Matt Rummage and Jonathan Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Center View Baptist Church Cemetery in Maiden. Public viewing will begin on Monday, Sept. 26, at 9 a.m. at Burke Mortuary in Newton. The family will be there on Monday to receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. or at the residence at other times. Memorials may be made to: Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA), P.O. Box 6729, Sevierville, TN 37864. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary is serving the Burke family.