Burley grew up during the depression and the war. He was too young to serve but had three older brothers in the Navy. He remembers the horror of Pearl Harbor believing that his brother’s ship, the Saratoga, was stationed there. It had been diverted to Wake Island but was torpedoed only days later, his brother surviving. This was an event that he spoke of often.
Burley started his career as a house painter but ambition (and at the time, a wife and two daughters) induced him to seek employment with the Boeing Company. He’s career at Boeing as a Quality Control Inspector led him to the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama where he worked on the Saturn V rocket supporting Apollo program for human exploration of the Moon. Burley remained with the project until the moon landing and had the privilege of meeting many NASA astronauts. His career with Boeing, Bell Helicopter and Martin Marietta took him and his family to New Orleans, LA, Stafford Springs, CT and eventually to Texas. After developing macular degeneration, Burley ended his career as Bureau Chief for the Southwest Division of Martin Marietta. After retiring Burley and his wife, Glenna, Spent time traveling through Europe and later became full time RVers touring the country.
Burley always said his family was the most important thing in his life. He was an avid reader taking up audible books when his eyesight failed. He also loved music and was a patron of the Ft. Worth Symphony for years. Other passions included the movies, fishing, and his dog.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Glenna and great grand-daughter, Harmony Rose.
Survivors include his daughters, Catherine Pierro, Deborah Roberts and Laurie Sweet (David), grandchildren Mark Pierro, Chelsey Priest, Amanda Penler, Candice Daniell, Alex Bargsley, Ian Bargsley; great grandchildren Emily Penler, Tyler and Logan Priest, Lilly Daniell, Jack and Aline Bargley.
Burley’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Saddlebrook Memory Care and VNA Hospice for their wonderful love and caring. They eased the difficulties of his last years for him and his family. We are forever greatful.
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