HICKORY- James Edward Burns, 80, of Hickory passed away at Catawba Valley Medical Center on April 10, 2019 after a brief illness. Born in Cobb County, GA on July 9, 1938, he was the son of the late J.B. and Ethel Gilbreath Burns. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son Jeffery Lane Sheppard; 2 brothers Kenneth Burns and Thurman Burns and a brother-in-law Terry Bowen. He was employed by Tec-ops. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Martin Burns of the home; son James “Ed” Edward Burns Jr. and wife Cari of Conover; daughters Shelby Jean Splinter and husband Gene of Apple Valley, MN, Kay Burns of Charlotte, and Nancy Bridges of Kings Mt.; granddaughter Sarah Whitener and husband Brian of Bryson City; grandsons Matthew Cox and wife Holly of Youngsville, Mitchell Sheppard of Kings Mt. and Zac Sheppard and wife Sadie of Summerville, SC; 4 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Barbara Smith and husband Bill of Gastonia, Nancy Wright and husband Charles of Gastonia, Tommy Burns and wife Robin of Shelby, Kathy James and husband Ronnie of Shelby, Frank Burns and wife Kathy of Kings Mt., Charles Burns and wife Linda of Kings Mt., Glenda Terry and husband Johnny of Grover, and Judy Bowen of Kings Mt. Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 5:00 pm at Unity Lutheran Church with Reverend Russell Makant officiating. Memorial gifts may be made to Unity Lutheran Church, 3025 Falling Creek Road, Hickory, NC 28601. Arrangements are with Hickory Funeral Home.
