John Philip Burger

1932 - 2020

SPARTANBURG, SC- John Philip Burger, age 88, of Spartanburg, SC went home to be with the Lord on December, 30, 2020 at Spartanburg Medical Center. He was born on January 8, 1932 in Troy, NY.
John was a native of Averill Park, NY and the son of the late John C. and Agnes Lowell Burger. He attended Averill Park Central High and enlisted in the US Navy at age 17. In 1953 he married the love of his life, Annelle Gregory, in Charleston, SC. He graduated from The Citadel as a veteran student in 1957 where he later obtained a Masters of Education in 1979. His 38 year career as an educator began at Murphy High School in Atlanta. He then went on to serve at Porter Military Academy, Lenox School, Algonquin Middle, Porter-Gaud, Bulloch Academy, Augusta Preparatory, Spartanburg High School, and Spartanburg Technical College. He was dedicated to his craft and students, identifying their strengths and encouraging them to excel. He also spent numerous years working as a Lutheran Brotherhood consultant.
During his 67+ year marriage to Anne, he was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Charleston, SC and St. John's Lutheran Church, Spartanburg, SC, where he served on church council, numerous committees and sang in the choir. He was a member of the Sunrise Civitan Club in Spartanburg. John was known for his love of service, whether it was coaching basketball or football, volunteering at Pancake Day at St. John's, or checking on fellow church members when they were home-bound or ill.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons: Chris and wife, Charis Burger, Michael and wife, Kathryn Burger; daughters: Lori and husband, Donald Whiteley, Lisa and husband, Marty Foil; grandchildren Paul Solomon, Cameron Tucker, Tiffany Robinette, Sydney Foil Rabren, Avery Foil, Charles, Chad and Cathryn Burger, Kahlan and Donovan Burger; and niece, Carla Rubeck Johnson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Rubeck.
A private family service will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church and then a memorial service open to the public at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 415 S Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 in memory of John.
Eggers Funeral Home, Boiling Springs, SC