Col. Burroughs, born in Greenfield, Illinois, the son of Charles and Lurinda Fair Burroughs, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 26th, at the age of 90. His wife of nearly 59 years, Nona Brown Burroughs, predeceased him in 2007.
In 1943 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1945. In 1946 he left active duty and served in the Marine Corps Reserves while finishing his education at Illinois College.
In 1951 he returned to active duty with his Reserve unit and served in the Korean Conflict until 1952, at which time he decided to make the Marine Corps his life’s career. Col. Burroughs spent the majority of his 32 years of service in the Fleet Marine Force, serving in many command positions. His family is very proud of his service to our country and are honored by his decorations and awards that include the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Letter of Commendation all with Combat “V.” While serving in Vietnam in 1969 he was the Director of the Combined Action Program; a position he said was the closest thing to missionary work as he helped civilians learn to protect themselves. Colonel Burroughs retired from active duty in 1975.
Col. Burroughs is survived by two daughters Susan Bullock (husband Kenneth) and Sally Ainslie (husband Bruce) from Charlotte, NC. “Grampy” was the proud grandfather of four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.
In their active retirement years Bob and Nona lived on the inland waterway in Swansboro, NC, then moved to Southern Pines, NC, and finally to the greater Charlotte area. He loved playing golf, singing in his church choir, and travelling.
An active and life-long Presbyterian, Bob was most recently a member of the Matthews Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 N. John Street, Matthews NC, 28105. Presiding will be the Reverends Bill Pederson and Emily Owen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to his church. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
The family wishes to thank the special care given to Col. Burroughs by the doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Hospital these past months. We also thank Lynde and Ossie for the excellent care they shared with us all while he was on his final journey under the care of Hospice.
Condolences at www.McEwenfs.com
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