1931
John
2015
John Burnham, Jr.
August 27, 1931 — December 1, 2015
John Raymond Burnham, Jr, 84, of Forest, Mississippi passed away on Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015 at Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forest, Ms.
Funeral services were conducted at 1030am Saturday December 5, 2015 from the Harperville Baptist Church followed by his last ride on a John Deere tractor to his final resting place in the Harperville Memorial Park where he received full military honors. Rev. Bobby McKay and Rev. Jason Tillman officiated.
Mr. Burnham “Big John” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends was born at his family home, Pleasant Valley, in the Steele community on August 27, 1931. He was the sixth of eight Burnham babies born to the late John R. Burnham, Sr. and Fannie Ruth Woods Burnham.
John loved his home and land, his family, church and country. He was an avid farmer and was well known to be an honorable steward of the land and habitat he was entrusted to manage. He worked in the public throughout his life lastly retiring from L. W. Gatewood Wholesale as a salesman. Of his most admirable labors was his 32 year military service retiring honorably as Lieutenant Colonel from the Mississippi Army National Guard.
John was a member of the Harperville Baptist Church where he enjoyed great fellowship and service with his beloved church family and community.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Raymond Burnham, Sr. and his mother Fannie Ruth Woods Burnham, siblings: Roy Burnham, Doris Gallaspy, Helga Watson, Reba Jackson, Nancy Freeman, an infant son, John Michael Burnham, son in law Danny Barnes and a host of beloved friends.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Ansley Burnham, three daughters: Belinda Barnes of Mendenhall, Kathy Lee of Forest, and Anne Burnham Steptoe of Brandon and two sisters: Irene Martin of Forest and Jackie Noel of Pensacola, Florida.
John and Martha Burnham were blessed with 6 grandchildren: Joni Tillman (Jason), Jacob Lee (Jessica Erin), Scott Barnes, Sains Steptoe, Connor Steptoe, Logan Steptoe and 6 great grandchildren: Reese, Gage, Sam, Cali, Rainey, and Gabby and numerous nieces and nephews.
In Lieu of flowers the family request that any memorials be made to the Harperville Baptist Church Chest of Joash Renovation Fund at P.O. Box 35 Harperville, Ms. 39080.
Big John was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Services provided by Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest.
Telephone: (601) 469-3412.
Funeral services were conducted at 1030am Saturday December 5, 2015 from the Harperville Baptist Church followed by his last ride on a John Deere tractor to his final resting place in the Harperville Memorial Park where he received full military honors. Rev. Bobby McKay and Rev. Jason Tillman officiated.
Mr. Burnham “Big John” as he was affectionately known by his family and friends was born at his family home, Pleasant Valley, in the Steele community on August 27, 1931. He was the sixth of eight Burnham babies born to the late John R. Burnham, Sr. and Fannie Ruth Woods Burnham.
John loved his home and land, his family, church and country. He was an avid farmer and was well known to be an honorable steward of the land and habitat he was entrusted to manage. He worked in the public throughout his life lastly retiring from L. W. Gatewood Wholesale as a salesman. Of his most admirable labors was his 32 year military service retiring honorably as Lieutenant Colonel from the Mississippi Army National Guard.
John was a member of the Harperville Baptist Church where he enjoyed great fellowship and service with his beloved church family and community.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Raymond Burnham, Sr. and his mother Fannie Ruth Woods Burnham, siblings: Roy Burnham, Doris Gallaspy, Helga Watson, Reba Jackson, Nancy Freeman, an infant son, John Michael Burnham, son in law Danny Barnes and a host of beloved friends.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Martha Ansley Burnham, three daughters: Belinda Barnes of Mendenhall, Kathy Lee of Forest, and Anne Burnham Steptoe of Brandon and two sisters: Irene Martin of Forest and Jackie Noel of Pensacola, Florida.
John and Martha Burnham were blessed with 6 grandchildren: Joni Tillman (Jason), Jacob Lee (Jessica Erin), Scott Barnes, Sains Steptoe, Connor Steptoe, Logan Steptoe and 6 great grandchildren: Reese, Gage, Sam, Cali, Rainey, and Gabby and numerous nieces and nephews.
In Lieu of flowers the family request that any memorials be made to the Harperville Baptist Church Chest of Joash Renovation Fund at P.O. Box 35 Harperville, Ms. 39080.
Big John was loved by all and will be greatly missed.
Services provided by Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest.
Telephone: (601) 469-3412.
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