Reginald Galento Burney

A Dedicated and Committed Life to God, Family, Country and Friends
Early Life
Reginald Galento Burney was born to Carolyn Rose McCrary Burney and James Clarence Burney, Sr. on May 18, 1959, at Brewster Methodist Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
Reginald, also known as Reggie, spent most of his life in Jacksonville, Florida, where he attended Rufus E. Payne Elementary School (grades first through sixth), Jean Ribault Junior High School (grades seventh through ninth), and Jean Ribault Senior High School (grades tenth through twelfth). Reggie loved music, he played the Trumpet and was a member of the Ribault Senior High School Band.
After graduating with honors from Jean Ribault Senior High School (class of 1977), Reggie attended the University of Florida where he pledged to the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He cherished his "Sigma" brotherhood.
Marriage and Family Life
Reginald married Macilla on December 25, 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their marriage spanned seventeen years, filled with love and companionship for each other and their blended family, until Reggie took his eternal rest on March 2, 2025.
Reggie's family, rooted in the sunny state of Florida, was his greatest treasure. Reggie and Macilla were deeply devoted to their loved ones, always present for life's milestones, celebrations, and the simple, everyday moments that mattered most. Reggie's children felt the unwavering support and love from both their dad and Macilla, creating a strong foundation of family values.
Macilla's family, with its rich cultural heritage and the aloha spirit of Hawaii, added a beautiful depth to their blended family. Though their families were separated by distance, Reggie and Macilla remained steadfast in their commitment to staying connected. Reggie and Macilla made it a priority to visit Las Vegas regularly, ensuring that they were a constant presence in the lives of Macilla's children and extended family.
Together, Reggie and Macilla bridged the geographical divide with love, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility as parents and grandparents. Together, they ensured that every child felt valued, loved, and supported, regardless of the distance. Their dedication to family was evident in their efforts to maintain close relationships, celebrate achievements, and provide guidance and care.
Reggie and Macilla's blended family is a testament to the power of love, commitment, and the importance of being present in the lives of those we hold dear. Their legacy of family unity and involvement continues to inspire and bring joy to all who knew them. For Reggie, his family was his pride and joy, and he always made sure to be there, offering love, strength, and guidance every step of the way.
Faith and Church Membership
Reggie was baptized at an early age at Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida under the pastoral leadership of Reverend William H. Hill. Later he joined St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church where he served under the pastoral leadership of his father, Reverend James Clarence Burney, Sr. until his father retired. His belief in God was steadfast.
Military and Professional Career
In 1981, Reggie answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. As a Medical Service Technician supporting a Marine unit and affectionately called "Doc Burney", he served six years active duty and later continued in the Navy Reserves until his retirement in 2007. He was trained at the Naval Hospital Corps School, and his primary specialties were Field Medical Service Technician and Otolaryngology Technician. Reggie's military service took him to various places around the world including Hawaii, San Diego, Germany, Kansas City, Yuma, and Atlanta. He bravely served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His dedicated service to his country was evident throughout his entire military career, and he earned the respect and admiration of his fellow servicemen and servicewomen.
During his military career, Reggie received several recognitions including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal (with EGA Device), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Sea Service, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with HourGlass and "M" Device.
Beyond his military career, Reggie served as a surgical technician at St. Vincent's Hospital before transitioning to a long and dedicated career with the United States Postal Service. During his tenure with USPS, he took great pride in his role as a Front Desk Clerk and Passport Agent, ensuring each interaction reflected his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Reggie's strong work ethic and dedication were evident in every aspect of his career, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and the community he served.
Legacy
Reginald leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, humor, and family commitment. Children, Vanessa West (Lorenzo), Crystal Parks (Derrick), Eric Burney (Jessica), Marques Burney, Jerrimie (Bri) Pacheco, Raulen (Maryann) Pacheco, and Melissa Pacheo (Pilor); grandchildren, Lorenzo West, III, Vanessa-Loren West, Lowen West, Liana West, Hendry Burney, Deacon Burney, Adrian Parks, Amaya Parks, Elijah Burney, Josiah Burney, Trinatee Burney, Valentine (VJ) Santarone, Caleb Santarone, Evan Sisneros, Espn Pacheco, Braydei Pacheco, Tiara Pacheco, and Jayden Pacheco. Siblings, Roderick Andre' Burney and Teri' Yvette Burnell (Frank); Cousin (like a brother), Larry Baker (Sena); Nephews, Michael Johnson (Ruth), Kevin Burnell (Semone), Jordan Burney (Allie) and Jason Burnell (Anacia); Niece, Jamilah Burney; Best friend, Kenneth Tinsley. He also leaves his fraternity brothers, military colleagues, and a host of cousins and other family members and friends.
Final Rest
Reginald Burney transitioned at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida on Sunday, March 2, 2025, surrounded by many of his loved ones. Reggie is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Reverend James Clarence Burney, Sr. and Carolyn Rose McCrary Burney; stepbrother, James Clarence Burney, Jr.; grandmother, Ethel Hayes; great grandparents, Clifford and Rosa McCrary; sisters, Muriel Anette and Mary Louise; daughter, Angela Burney, and cherished uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Rest in peace, Reggie. Your memory will forever be a blessing and we promise we will keep laughing.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Diaper Bank for Northeast Florida https://jaxdiaperbank.org/ or the American Heart Association in honor and memory of Reginald Burney.
Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.
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