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Tribute To A Great Man, Dr. J F Burney (Father-in-Law)

By November 5, 2009June 15th, 2013Parenting

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Dr. J F Burney

(1929 to 2009)

My father-in-law was one of the strongest men I know. Into his late 70’s he could outwork most men in their 20’s. He learned to work hard the old fashioned way. He had to in order to survive. He is truly a rags-to-riches kind of story, rising from the poverty of a single mother’s home to the prominence of President of Civitan International and the Dean of Business and Professional Studies at Austin Peay State University.

Dr. Burney was a true southern gentleman whose name is his honor. Throughout the community he is remembered for the life he lived and the influence he made. The joke when I married Cheryl was that I wanted into the family for the political connections it would bring. Some even said I wanted to improve my reputation. While that wasn’t my motivation, (Cheryl was) I’m certain it did and I couldn’t be more proud of that fact.

Dr. J (no period) F (no period) Burney was a down-to-earth scholar. Dr. Burney, well known for his creative ways of making people laugh, used his intelligence to keep a sharp, keen wit and sense of humor ever before him, even to his last days. Dr. Burney never forgot his humble roots.  He could be just as at ease with leading dignitaries and businesspeople as he could be with those of lesser means. His humility in serving others was Christ-like. Although Dr. Burney was an accountant by trade and education, he was a servant by heart. Through his efforts and dedication, our community was made a better place, from providing programs for the handicapped to treatment for those seeking kidney treatments.

Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments, however, was building a strong family and home environment. The tables are always crowded at the Burney home, welcoming visitors locally and across the globe. I never knew who would show up at family gatherings. His children and grandchildren were his treasure and his gift to them is a lasting heritage. The picture in this post is from the day Dr. Burney gave his family his final words of blessing; only a few months before anyone knew he would soon die.

God bless the memory of Dr. J F Burney.

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Ron Edmondson

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Join the discussion 7 Comments

  • Patricia McAullay says:

    Deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved wife Cheryl’s father.

  • jeff and chris drymiller says:

    although new to GCC we are very saddened to hear of the loss of Cheryl’s father. our prayers are with you and hope your memories and love for your father sustain you in the coming days and weeks. sounds like he was a very loved and respected man both in his family and community. please call upon us if we can be of any help to you——jeff and chris drymiller 9318012267

  • Sanna Karosas says:

    Dear Ron,

    Just reading about Dr. Burney inspires me, and my thoughts are with you for the next two days. Although a sad time, may this time together with family and friends also be a celebration of a life well lived, a life that made a difference to both family and community.

  • Lawrence Gunnells says:

    Ron, I have expressed condolences to Cheryl on Facebook, but I know this was a tough loss for you, too. My encouragement to you is to be thankful that God blessed you with a father-in-law that made you proud to be in the family and whose influence will be a part of you for the rest of your life.

  • Sherri Cody says:

    I know everyone that knew him have some great memories. So sorry to hear about your loss. Ron & Cheryl , your family is in our prayers.