John Bert Burns

John served our country in the US Army from July 1956 through June 1958 in the Engineering Battalion and in the National Guard. He was a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He had a long career in the food industry where he was well known and had numerous friends and business associates. He retired as the Director of Perishable Operations Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Company, 1977-2006. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed the outdoors. Most of all he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Lewis and Martha Ann Burns; six siblings, Robert Burns, Irene Jett, Nellie Ruth Corbitt, Gene Burns, Carl Burns, and Ulysses Burns.

John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Evelyn Burns; daughter, Karen McPherson (Billy); son, Daren Burns (Jennifer); brother, Eddie Burns; grandchildren, Michael McPherson (Meredith), Mary Catherine Cleveland (Sam), Brandi McPherson, Carter Burns (Katie), and Caroline Burns; great grandchildren, Ellie Kate Cleveland, Emma Caroline Cleveland, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Friday, July 24, 2020 with a time of visitation at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel from 11:00 AM until 12:15 PM followed by a graveside service at 12:30 PM at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, AL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the BURNS family.

FROM THE STAFF OF RIDOUT'S GARDENDALE: Please bring a facemask with you and wear at all times while in facility per Jefferson County Health Department.