Gregory John Burns

Born in 1958 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Greg was the son of John Joseph ("Jack") Burns and Janet Vernon Burns. Because of his father's career with Pepsi, the family moved frequently during Greg's childhood, giving him the opportunity to live in several parts of the country. He spent his high school years in Sudbury, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury High School in 1976.

Greg's career eventually brought him back to Virginia, where fate led him to meet Angela Clary during a gathering at Lake Gaston. He later proposed at that very same spot, and the two were married on May 23, 1987, building their life together at Lake Gaston.

Anyone who knew Greg knew he was one of the hardest-working people they had ever met. Although he held several jobs throughout his career, he found his calling in the electronic security industry with ICI (now 3SI). Greg worked his way up in the organization and became well known for his tireless work ethic and commitment to quality work.

Never content to stop there, Greg spent years working his full-time job during the day while building Gaston Security, Inc. (GSI) during nights and weekends. Through determination, sacrifice, and countless hours of hard work, he transformed what began as a side business into one of the Southeast's leading electronic security companies. Under his leadership, GSI grew to employ dozens of people and complete thousands of projects for banks, electric cooperatives, businesses, and homeowners throughout the region.

Greg was known across the industry for his meticulous attention to detail and his high standards, but those who knew him best also knew his generous heart and unwavering loyalty to his friends and family. Throughout his life, he quietly helped others whenever he could, offering support, encouragement, and a helping hand to people facing difficult circumstances. He believed in helping people who worked hard and just needed a little help, never seeking recognition for his generosity. A man of his word, Greg believed in honoring his commitments and doing what he said he would do. Whether in business, with his family, or during his illness, he approached every challenge with quiet determination and unwavering resolve.

Greg loved good food and going out to eat and he and Angela became familiar faces at many of their favorite restaurants, where staff knew them by name and often had Greg's favorite beverage waiting before he even ordered. Whether talking with a server, a bartender, or someone he had just met, Greg had an easy way of making people laugh, striking up conversations, and making new friends. No matter who he was talking to, he had a remarkable way of making people feel important.

After retiring to Myrtle Beach, Greg embraced the things he loved most. An avid and highly skilled skier, he looked forward to annual ski trips with his son and family, treasuring the time they spent together in the mountains and at his home in Wintergreen, Virginia. He also enjoyed golfing as a member of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club, riding his bicycle through his Myrtle Beach neighborhood, and spending time at the beach with his children and grandchildren. Greg loved traveling with Angela and his family, and no matter where they went, they had a knack for meeting new people and filling their days with spontaneous adventures.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Jack Burns.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Angela Clary Burns, his soulmate and constant source of comfort, love, and encouragement throughout his courageous battle with cancer; his mother, Janet Vernon Burns; his sister, Hillary Ann Burns; his brother, Christopher Lloyd Burns; his son, John Jordan Burns, and his wife, Jacqueline Severance Burns; his daughter, Casey Burns DelDonna, and her husband, Paul Tazewell DelDonna; and his cherished grandchildren, Josephine Anne Burns, Paul Gregory DelDonna, and his soon-to-be-born grandson, John Atwell Burns.

Greg will be remembered as a man of integrity whose word meant everything. He was a tireless worker, a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend, and someone who never backed down from a challenge. Whether building GSI from the ground up or facing cancer with courage and determination, Greg met life's hardships with grit and perseverance. A true self made man, his legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the countless lives he touched.

In accordance with Greg's wishes, there will be no immediate services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Lake Gaston, Virginia, and the family will share those details once they are finalized.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in Greg's honor.