Richard Jerome Burrell

Richard Jerome Burrell, 97, of Lilburn, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved and guided throughout his life.
Born in Cornelia, Ga. and raised in the mountains of Rabun County, Richard was the youngest of five brothers-Brabson, Everett, Schley, and Lyman. From an early age, he held tightly to values that would shape his long life: discipline, humility, integrity, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
After graduating from Rabun County High School, Richard attended Young Harris College, where he put himself through school by working a variety of campus jobs. It was during that time he met his lifelong friend, former Georgia Governor and U.S. Senator, Zell Miller. Richard went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Piedmont College while teaching and coaching at Rabun County High School. In addition to coaching a variety of sports, he also started the school's first football team. Later, he taught at Forest Park High School, where the yearbook was dedicated in his honor after he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Yokohama, Japan, where he served in the Inspector General's office and taught English to local residents.
Richard was "set up" with Nancy Chisholm on a blind date, (arranged by his brother and her sister!), and they corresponded his entire time in the Army. Upon his return in June 1954, they were married in Arlington, Virginia and started their family, settling in Maryland, where Steve was born. Two years later, Richard brought his young family to Georgia, where they were joined by Greg and eventually, Pamela. For Richard, there was nothing more important than family; all his work, all his success was to guarantee his children and children's children had everything they needed to succeed in life.
To that end, in 1954 Richard began a 40-year career with Household Finance Corporation, eventually becoming Southeastern Director of Public Affairs. Through his work, he helped shape consumer finance and retail legislation and had a significant positive impact on consumers throughout the South. His work earned him HFC's prestigious Chairman's Award twice, in recognition of his leadership and public service.
After retiring in 1993, Richard remained active in both professional and civic service. He served on the Board of Directors at Tucker Federal Savings & Loan and continued serving the industry and public through the Georgia Financial Services Association. His connection to Young Harris College remained strong-he served on both its Alumni Board and its Board of Regents, helping to support and reunify the college's alumni organizations. And in 1995, he was appointed by Zell Miller to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association Board.
Richard enjoyed old westerns, Frank Sinatra, good bourbon, loyal dogs, and babies in the room, and especially spending time with family at their home on Lake Burton. He was also a longtime member of the Atlanta Athletic Club, where he enjoyed many years of fellowship, family celebrations, and recreation. He carried himself with a calm confidence and quiet authority, and his family benefited greatly from his wisdom, discernment and guidance. He leaves behind a lasting legacy-one rooted in family, principle, and steady devotion to every responsibility he ever took on.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Jura Burrell; and his brothers, Brabson, Everett and Schley. His brother, Lyman, followed him in death on July 22nd, as well.
Richard is survived by his wife of 71 years, Nancy, their three children and their spouses, Steve and Marcia Burrell, Greg and Mary Beth Burrell, and Pamela and Raymond Russo. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be directed to Young Harris College Scholarship Fund.
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Richard Jerome Burrell will be held at 3:00pm on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00pm until time of service at the funeral home. The family will reassemble to a graveside service on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 12:00pm at Clayton Cemetery in Clayton, GA.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Family Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.