Johnnie Burke, Sr.

Johnnie Howard Burke, Sr., 79, formerly of St. Pauls, NC, passed away peacefully at his home in Summerville, SC on September 26, 2013. He was born August 14, 1934 in Robeson County, North Carolina, the son of the late Edgar and Ila Stanley Burke. Howard began one of many careers with Burlington Mills in St. Pauls. In the early 1950's he and his father owned and operated Burke's Service Station and Grocery until 1976. He then worked for Thurston Motor Lines for 13 years as a dispatcher and driver. Later he was employed with Liberty Life Insurance Agency. Howard lived and loved life. He was a loving father and granddaddy, dedicated to his family, church and community. He was a volunteer fireman and a founding member of Big Marsh Fire Department in 1969. He served as a council member for the Town of St. Pauls for 8 years, from 1995-2003. Howard was a faithful member and former Deacon at Great Marsh Baptist Church. His last purpose was based on the teaching of 1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of who I am chief". Howard never hesitated and was proud to acknowledge God's mercy and forgiveness shown to him during his life. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Sylvia Elaine Townsend Burke. He is survived by two, Betty Burke Beckham (Donnie) of Summerville, SC and Wanda Burke Seigfreid (Chris) of Linden, VA; son, Johnnie Howard Burke, Jr. (Renee) of St. Pauls; brother, Billy Burke (Barbara) of Wagram, NC; grandchildren, Steven Beckham of Charleston, SC; Amy Beckham of Summerville, SC, Miguel Ortiz (Kayla) of Manassas, VA and Asia Burke Sickelbaugh (Jim) of St. Pauls, NC.; great grandchildren MaKenzie Sickelbaugh and James Howard Ortiz; brother-in-law Robert Townsend of St. Pauls; and 7 nieces and 1 nephew. Funeral Services will be conducted September 29, 2013 at Great Marsh Baptist Church with the Rev. Mike Kinlaw and Rev. Don Goforth officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Faith cemetery in Lumberton, NC. The Big Marsh Fire Department will serve as pall bearers. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday September 28, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 PM at McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls. Memorials may be made to Big Marsh Fire Department, PO Box 86, St. Pauls, NC 28384 or Intrepid Hospice, Charleston, SC. Our family would like to give special thanks to Judy, Samantha, Hanna, Ms. Ivory, Megan and Pastor Ann for the special care they provided for our father. We want our Great Marsh Baptist Church Family to know how much we appreciate their love, cards and trips to South Carolina for our Dad. We thank and love you all. Arrangements by McNeill Mackie Funeral Home of St. Pauls.