Burl Claborn

1925 - 2014

In Loving Memory Of Burl D. Claborn who passed away 2 years ago on April 18, 2014. This memorial does not celebrate his passing but his having lived, and smiled and laughed and danced with and for everyone who had the opportunity to know him well. In thinking about those wonderful traits and considering the thousands of people who were blessed to know him from his 20 years in the Army, earning many awards and the yearly trips that he made to Kentucky to put flowers on his family's graves and reunite with his many brothers, sisters and family members. He was also well known as the owner of Tanner's Restaurant on Broughton Street in downtown Savannah. If smiles were measured in lengths, those he caused would stretch around the world. And then, if laughter could contain a volume, he triggered enough to fill the whole planet. And oh, the dancing! Usually always following some corny, silly joke, he would punctuate with a little shuffle he called his boot-scootin' boogie which always brought smiles and laughter to all. If his time spent in this entertainment for others was added up, his light-footed fancy would have totaled many months of his life. What happiness he brought into any room he entered! Think about it. Those of you reading this who knew him: When did you hear him say, no..., not me..., too busy..., can't help..? Be it family, church or friend, few would have heard those words from Burl. His energy, his hospitality and kindness benefited everyone who knew him. There will never be another one like him. That kind of person is unusually rare and precious in a life. Having touched so many lives, no doubt the world of each of us is a bit richer. He spent ten devoted years taking care of his beloved Ann after her stroke. It was steadfast and ever loving, a true testament of this man's love for his wife. So now, those of us who followed him miss the joy of such laughter, smiles and light- heartedness his shuffling brought into our lives. We are content in knowing that he rests in peace 'neath' the mighty Magnolia, on the lazy Wilmington River, beside his beloved Ann, the one he loved, so well. I think if Burl could speak to us now, he would encourage us all to do more for others and expect less for ourselves. Find our own ways of creating laughter for those in our lives and dance, dance, dance while you can. I can see him now, entering the pearly gates, seeing St. Peter and he shuffles in dance, bending slightly, his left hand forward and with his special smile and twinkling eyes he says: Papa's in the House! He is sadly missed by family, friends and by his best friends Donald, Bobby and Carl and his other special friends who met with him every morning at Oglethorpe Mall. Though we miss them every day, we know it is God's will, and we have faith in His Promise. May God grant us the peace of knowing that their dreams and hopes were fulfilled, that their lives were full, they enjoyed the love of family and friends, their last wishes were honored, and we carry their love in our hearts. Until we meet them, once again, may they sleep in blissful slumber. The Family of Burl D Claborn 1925-2014 and Anna J. Cowan Claborn 1921-2010