George Edward Burns

George Edward Burns - SAVANNAH - George Edward Burns was called to eternal life on Wednesday, September 26 at Hospice Savannah after a brave and long battle with cancer. He spent his last days surrounded by family and friends who joined together to celebrate his life. Ed was 70. Ed was a life-long resident of Savannah and spent his youth working with his family at Wilmington Island's first grocery and gas station, Burns Market. Following his father's death, Ed joined with his mother Lula in operating DeRenne Builders where Ed served as a contractor and spearheaded the building of more than 200 houses a year as well as serving as the developer for numerous shopping centers that continue to be a part of the Savannah community. He later served as the district manager for Public Savings Insurance while continuing his building projects throughout Chatham County. In his retirement, he worked passionately to assist in the growth and development of his son's business on Chatham Parkway. Ed graduated from Savannah High School in 1954 where he was a star athlete and led the basketball team in consecutive winning seasons. Ed then continued his basketball career at Armstrong Junior College being named the first recipient of the prestigious Ashley Dearing Award that continues to this day. Ed then attended the University of Georgia where he again was a member of the basketball team. Later after his return to Savannah, he joined in forming the Savannah Indians in 1966, Savannah's first semi-pro football team. Ed was inducted into the Armstrong Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He shared his proud day with family and friends. He was baptized at Bull Street Baptist Church where he attended services for many years. He later was a member of Bible Baptist Church and in recent years attended Savannah Christian Church. Whether golfing, fishing, hunting or building houses, Ed loved the outdoors and sports. He was active in adult sports leagues throughout his life while also making time to plant a large garden sharing his crops with friends and neighbors. His love of nature and sports was only surpassed by his love of life and friends. Ed always had a parade of friends surrounding him and took joy in being with those he loved. He is survived by his son Edward Shannon Burns, an older brother James Burns of Dallas, GA, a sister Delores Burns Dobberton of Savannah, Mary Merritt, the beloved mother of his son Shannon, two nieces and two nephews. His parents, Charles and Lula Burns, who preceded him in death, are welcoming him into eternal peace and God's loving arms as his earthy family mourns his death. Ed will be remembered by all those who love his as an energetic and charismatic man of joy who celebrated life, friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to Bethesda Home for Boys. Visitation: 5:30-7:30 PM, Thursday, September 27, 2007 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. Funeral Services 10:00 AM Friday, September 28, 2007 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel with the Rev. Patrick O'Brien and Rev. Thomas J. Murphy officiating, followed by graveside services at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Please sign our guestbook online at www.foxandweeks.com . Savannah Morning News September 27, 2007 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.savannahnow.com