Deacon James E. Burney

Deacon James "Bill" Burney, of 32799 Ga Highway 112, Milledgeville, Georgia passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019 at Navicent Health Baldwin, Milledgeville.

After a brief illness, God decided that Deacon James Earl (Bill) Burney had fought a good fight, he had finished his course and kept the faith. God called him home on Friday March 8, 2019.

Deacon James Burney was born in Toomsboro, GA to the parentage of the late Mary Burney Walker and the late Glenn Bundrige on January 19,1941. He was reared in his early years by his beloved “Big Ma”, Charity Burney.

Deacon Burney graduated from Calhoun Consolidated High School. After graduation he became employed by Central State Hospital until his retirement after 34 years of service. Deacon Burney, being an active person, then worked 10 years as a substitute teacher for Wilkinson County Schools.  He also worked as a Constable for Wilkinson County Courts for 14 years following his career in the school system.

Deacon Burney professed his love for Christ at an early age and joined Parker Hill Baptist Church, where he was later ordained and served as Chairman of the Deacon board up until his death.  Deacon Burney was a devoted member and well known and loved by the greater church community of Wilkinson County.

Deacon James Burney raised livestock and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed walking, going to the gym, traveling and meeting people through his job and visiting various churches throughout the community. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Deacon Burney married Lelia Mae Hightower on September 15, 1962. To this 56-year union, they were blessed with four children.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Lelia and children: Gwendolyn Ammons, Angela (Dwayne) Driskell, Shawn (Jodie) Burney and Justin Burney; three sisters, Vivian (Franc) Juvan, Mary (Renardo) Pringle, and Phyllis Fuller; a host of sisters and brothers-in-law; seven grandchildren (Alecisa, Erica, Leila, Yolander, McKenzie, Joshua, Amaya); three great grandchildren (Zaybreon, Jaylen, Kayla); a devoted cousin, Robert Hillman; a devoted sister-in-law, Gloria Benson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many other loving relatives. He was proceeded in death by his grandson Aaron M. Ammons, brother Bishop Bundrige and a devoted family acquaintance Jimmy R. Thomas Sr.

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