Thomas Jeffryes Burton

Tom was born on March 26, 1941, in Tifton, Georgia, to the late Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Burton. Growing up with his four siblings, the Burton family was named Methodist Family of the Year in 1951. After graduating from Tifton High School, Tom attended the University of Georgia where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy.

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Dorris Vance on December 21, 1961, in Tifton, and they finished their college education together in Athens. After graduation Tom and Dorris moved to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, where he began his career as a golf course superintendent at Lucayan Country Club. Both of their children were born during the nine years living in the Bahamas before the family moved to Ft. Lauderdale when Tom was hired by Robert Trent Jones Sr. at the Coral Ridge Country Club. They lived in south Florida for six years until December 1978 when the family moved to St. Simons Island after Tom was hired by Sea Island Company as golf course superintendent.

Tom was an active member of the methodist church, starting at St. Simons United Methodist before his family moved to the newly formed Wesley United Methodist in 1991. Tom’s love of music saw him as an active choir member, and he performed in many ensembles as well as the community production of the Messiah each Christmas. In the last several years Tom served in the choir at the Fort Frederica Presbyterian Church at the initial request of his long-time friend and Wesley Choir Director, Joe Walters.

Tom was an avid Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta Braves fan. For years Tom annually attended the Georgia-Auburn football game with a group of golf friends, and he was thrilled to attend several World Series games when the Braves broke through to win the 1995 championship. He loved to maintain his plot in the community garden and go on fishing trips through the years. He was always known for his big heart, sense of humor, his storytelling, and his music making. He loved entertaining by playing the harmonica and the “bones” or spoons.

Tom is survived by his wife, Dorris Vance Burton; his son Thomas Jeffryes Burton Jr. of St. Simons Island; his daughter Christie Burton Copelan (Billy) of St. Simons Island; his two granddaughters, whom he adored: Carrie Copelan and Kendall Copelan of Brunswick; his four siblings: Betsy Burton Fowler of Clayton, GA, Dr. Bob Burton (Mary) of Athens, Dr. Joe Burton (Linda) of Raleigh, and Richard Burton of Tifton; along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors Thursday, September 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Wesley Church at Frederica followed by a celebration of life service in the Wesley sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com