Leland Daniel Burns

Today, we gather with heavy hearts, yet also with deep gratitude, as we remember and celebrate the life of Leland Burns—a beloved son, brother, family member, and friend. Though Leland’s time with us was far too short, the impact of his life was profound, meaningful, and lasting.

Leland was born on February 16, 2000, in Mobile, Alabama, the third baby of a quadruplet birth, born at just 23 weeks and one pound each. He spent 10 months, the longest time in the NICU there, but eventually got home with his family in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Burns family relocated to central Florida when the children were two years old because of the availability of United Cerebral Palsy Charter Schools and better services for disabled children. He completed a special high school diploma at the age of 22 with UCP and Orange County Schools. After he, Jack and Alana completed high school, the Burns’ moved here to western North Carolina in 2024 to be closer to family.

From the very beginning, his life was a journey marked by trials but also courage. He was on home oxygen for months, sustained a limb amputation while in the NICU and had the most severe form of premature retina disease, leaving him blind with light perception only. But, despite his severe disabilities, wherever Leland went, he brought with him a light that touched people’s hearts. His challenges never defined him. Instead, he was defined by his gentle spirit and his resilience. He was often smiling and clapping and his pure joy penetrated the often seriousness of everyday life.

Leland showed us there is sacred value in every life. His very presence reminded us all of what truly matters: love, mercy and faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. Leland had a way of slowing us down and drawing us out of our busy lives and into the present moment. In a world that often measures worth by achievement, Leland reminded us that a life’s value is actually measured by love, and by that standard, he was immeasurably rich.

Leland and the Burns family have found a church home here at First Baptist Church of Waynesville. He quickly became a cherished member of this congregation, not because of what he could do, but because of who he was—a Child of The King whose simple existence reflected God’s love in the purest form.

Leland is survived by his devoted parents, Dan and Beth Burns, whose love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment were a testament to what it means to be a family. He is also survived by his sister Alana and his brother Jack, who shared with him a bond that will never be broken by time or distance. He leaves behind his aunt Laura Wyant, his grandfather Ronald Burns, and many others who were blessed to call him family and friend.

He was preceded in death by his brother Sean who died as an infant in the NICU.

Leland was able to know his grandparents, Howard and Lois Mitcheltree and Nancy Burns, before they passed over 15 years ago. He was also close to his maternal great aunt Rachel Cranford Milner, who lived and was a part of his life until God called her home at the age of 101. We take comfort in knowing that Leland is now reunited with these and other family members who went on before him, perfectly restored and at peace. And, because he was blind, we also recognize that the first face he ever saw was the that of His Lord, Jesus Christ.

Today, Leland has victory over the grave. Although we will deeply miss him, we look forward to joining him in Eternity.

As we say goodbye, let us carry Leland’s legacy with us. Let us love as God loves, share as God shares, and show mercy as God shows us mercy. Let us uplift each other in faith. If we do this, then Leland’s spirit will continue to live on—not just in our memories, but in the way we choose to live each day.

Today, even in our sorrow, we give thanks for the gift of Leland Burns’ life—a life that reminds us all that we have joy, peace and salvation through Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Thank you for being a part of this day!

A service celebrating Leland's life will be held on January 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Waynesville, North Carolina. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. All who knew and loved Leland are invited to attend and honor his remarkable life and legacy.

Leland will be laid to rest with many members of his family in Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson, MS.

Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Burns family.

www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com