Brian L Burton

Brian Lee Burton, age 85, of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1940, in Middletown, Ohio, to William T. Burton and Pauline (Graham) Burton.

Brian was a 1958 graduate of Worthington High School and went on to earn his degree from Ohio University in 1962, where he studied accounting. Following college, he began his career with Arthur Andersen in Cleveland, Ohio. He later joined Jo-Ann Stores, where he played a key role in transforming the company from a family-owned business into a publicly traded corporation.

Entrepreneurial by nature, Brian went on to found Vertical Marketing Systems, successfully growing and eventually selling the business. Over the years, he became known for his ability to turn around struggling companies, including one that was ultimately sold to Sherwin-Williams Corporation.

Brian had many interests and hobbies throughout his life, including racing motocross with his sons and attending equestrian events with his daughters. He had a deep love for boating on Lake Erie and especially cherished the natural beauty of Torch Lake in northern Michigan.

After retiring, Brian spent his time in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he escaped the harsh Ohio winters. He cherished the warm coastal lifestyle, spending his days playing golf, playing tennis, relaxing on the beach with his wife.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Jacqueline Burton; his children, Belinda (David) Pierce, Bruce (Pamela) Burton, Bradley (Maria) Burton, and Beth (Michael) Durham; his stepson, Arthur Hertzi; and his beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Timothy, Edward, Katherine, Jacob, and Arlene and great-grandchildren Stevie June and Baby Brian Burton.

A lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, Brian passed just as his team was preparing, once again, to turn the corner.

As a cancer survivor, Brian generously supported the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and remained committed to education by contributing to his alma mater, Ohio University. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice.

There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life on Saturday July 11th. It will be held at Tidewater Plantation Amenity Center at 10:30.