Guy Stanley Burnham, 78, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on August 7, 1947, to Anna and Guy Ray Burnham in Watertown, New York. After being drafted into the U.S. Army and serving his country faithfully, Guy would remain in the Columbus area after being honorably discharged. Guy was well known in the South Columbus community where he opened an auto shop on Victory Drive and later on 38th Street. He was a member of Post 35 American Legion on North Lumpkin Road for many years. While he wasn’t at his mechanic shop, he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, photography with disposable cameras, and watching any older western shows (The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, etc.) M.A.S.H, and The Andy Griffin Show, as well as the local evening news. Holding as special place in his heart was his grandchildren, they were his universe, and he was their Papa Guy. His fur-babies, Sassy and Yoda, held a special place in his heart as well. He loved his family dearly. Guy never met a stranger in his life and will be missed by many.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Janell Burnham; his parents, Anna and Guy Ray Burnham; his siblings, Charles, Harvey, and George Burnham, Mary Durham, Ruth Zeller and Barbara Dukes; his longtime companion, Cathy Duke. He is survived by his daughter, Melinda Vargas (Michel) of Fortson, GA; his son, Guy Allen Thomas Burnham (Deana) of Louisburg, North Carolina and his grandchildren, Michel N. Vergas, Brendon Garner, Mario Vargas, Bobby Deese, Aubree Burnham and Guy T. Burnham; and his siblings, Mae Durham, Patricia “Patty” (Paul) Betts and Paul Burnham; sister in laws, Luann and Ruth Burnham, lifelong family friends, Edward Cashman and Peggy Allen, Cathy’s son, Daniel Garner and the Everhart children that he loved as his own.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM in Fisher Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. A Celebration of Life Service will follow visitation at 3:00 PM. Burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery with military honors.
