David "Dave" Brantley Burns Jr.

David “Dave” Brantley Burns, Jr. passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 9, 2026 at home with Margie, his sweetheart of 68 years, his children and his beloved pup, Maynard.

Dave grew up in Knoxville, TN, the oldest of four children to Lollie Newton Burns and David Brantley Burns. He attended Sequoyah Elementary, Tyson Junior High, and Woodberry Forest School in Virginia. He spent two years at the University of Tennessee and graduated from Davidson College. He thoroughly enjoyed competing for Davidson in wrestling and loved sharing wonderful stories from his time on the team.

Dave cherished his time in the Navy as a lieutenant on the Admiral’s staff, spending most of his time on aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean. Following his service, he married lovely Margaret “Margie” Patton and settled into the home they would live in to this day. Dave worked at Manufacturers Acceptance Corporation (M.A.C.), a company his father founded, for almost 60 years. Those who worked downtown knew him well as he walked from his office to lunch or the YMCA. A member of the YMCA since 1944, at 12 years old, he was a true role model for the benefits of exercise and camaraderie at the gym. He treasured his friendships there and Downtown YMCA honored him with the Lindsay Young Role Model Award in 2017.

When not at work, Dave was seeking time in the woods. He pursued adventures with his boys or friends backpacking, camping, hiking, or whitewater canoeing in the US and Canada, with a particular love of the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. His greatest joy by far however was spending time with his family and friends at his cabin on Norris Lake. He found pure joy in nature, surrounded by God’s beautiful creations.

Dave grew up attending First Presbyterian Church, later becoming a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. He served as deacon, chairman of the usher committee, and chairman of the pipe organ committee, which oversaw the installation of the church’s current organ. He loved beautiful organ music.

Dave leaves behind his dearly loved wife, Margie and his two surviving children, James Patton “Pat” Burns and his wife Teresa and Margaret Burns Taylor and her husband Rick. His beloved son, David Brantley “Brant” Burns III, preceded him in death. He leaves five grandchildren, Richard Taylor, Brantley Taylor Geraghty(Jack), Patton Burns, Robert Burns and Elizabeth Burns and one great granddaughter, Margaret “Margot” Geraghty. He also leaves behind his sister, Suzella “Sis” Burns Newsome of Atlanta and his youngest brother, Dr. J. Lanier Burns of Dallas. Dave was preceded in death by his younger brother, Livingston Newton “Newt” Burns of Dallas.

Our family would like to express our deep gratitude to each of the caregivers that touched our lives caring for Dave. Thank you for your patient help and kindness. God bless you.

Receiving of family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church with a memorial service to follow at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in honor of Dave.