1st Sgt. Bobby “Pop” Burns was born in Collinwood, Tennessee on August 25, 1930, to the late Erby and Madgie Burns. His mother died when he was an infant; his older siblings Herschel and Eva aided his father with caretaking roles for him.
He graduated from Collinwood High School in 1949. At the age of 21, he was deployed and served in the Korean War 7th Infantry Division as an artilleryman. Returning home, he married Faye Devers, his wife of 43 years until her death in 1998. Together they raised three children, Randy, Christi, and Stan (Burt). He was employed many years with the Genesco corporation in a supervisory position until his retirement. During his tenure, he received numerous accolades and leadership awards.
He continued his military service in the Army reserve, holding rank as an E9 Sergeant. He received many commendations and citations for his meritorious service and strong leadership ability including distinguished service awards, a 3-bronze star Korean service medal, a national defense medal, presidential and governor citations, and a Republic of South Korea presidential citation badge, among many others. He was often recognized for his stellar service record and was a lifetime member of the VFW and a 50-year member of the American Legion. Pop, as he was affectionately named by his comrades, was a deeply devoted patriot and served his country faithfully and fervently.
Mr. Burns passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 16, 2023. He was a devout Christian and will joyously reunite with his deceased loved ones, comrades, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nelda Faye Devers Burns; his son, Burt Stanford Burns; parents, Erby R. and Madgie Mildred Martin Burns; siblings, Herschel Burns, Eva Elizabeth Burns Smith Littrell; infant sister, Margaret Lucille Burns; and daughter-in-law, Melissa Burns.
Survivors include son, Randy Burns; daughter, Christi (Dale) Denning; daughter-in-law, Deborah Burns; grandsons, Brandon (Bonnie) Burns, Justin (Morgan) Burns, Andrew (Brittany) Denning, Drake (Anna) Denning; granddaughters, Tabitha (Andrew) McMeley, Gabrielle (Zach) Broadwater, Alana (Nick) Sobieralski, Abbi Burns; and great-grandchildren, Bethany, Ben, Christopher, Jace, Abram, Myla Jane, Jett, and Neeley, all of whom he loved dearly.
Funeral services were held Saturday at 1 pm. Dr. Dale Denning officiated the services. Pallbearers were Brandon Burns, Tony Devers, Justin Burns, Drew Denning, Drake Denning, Larry Miller, Walter Butler, Glenn Brown, and Roger Smith. Burial followed in Memory Gardens in Waynesboro.
In honor of Pop, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Legion Post 254 c/o Randy Chambers or Harold Thompson. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 315 Collinwood, TN.
