Robert Burns

Obituary
Sergeant Robert Lee Burns, Sr. was born on July 15, 1946 in Coolidge, Georgia to his parents, the late Robert Burns and the late Rodie Bell Stewart Burns. Sergeant Burns transitioned peacefully from his earthly home, with his children by his side, on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Georgia.

Robert Lee graduated from Magnolia High School in Thomasville, Georgia in 1966. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. For his services, he earned a Purple Heart, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, among other notable awards. After his service in the Marines, he joined the Army National Guard and continued his service to our country for many more years. During his term in the Army National Guard, he achieved the rank of Sargent First Class, and he served in Operation Iraq Enduring Freedom. He was Honorably Discharged in 2004. Sergeant Burns was a man that loved his country and fellow service members.

When Robert Lee, aka "Uncle Buddy" was not serving our country, he was serving his community and family. He was a graduate of Walton Technical College with a concertation in auto and body mechanics. He worked and retired from Southwestern State Hospital and Walmart Service Department. He was a man who wore many hats and helped everyone he could. He never met a stranger and to him, everyone was family. He was a family man and devoted husband to his loving wife, the late Roberta P. Burns, who preceded him in death.

He was a true solider for the Lord and a faithful member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He was an ordained deacon and loved to sing and pray. He enjoyed talking about the goodness of the Lord and found ways to show the love of God through his interactions with everyone around him. No matter the situation, he always greeted you with a smile.

Those left to celebrate his life and remember his love, laughter, and legacy includes his sister Bessie Mae Nunn, Thomasville, Georgia, and his uncle Joseph Stewart, Tampa, Florida. Nine children Robert Lee (Janet) Burns, Jr., Statesboro, Georgia; Roddrick L. (Kimberly) Burns, Aurora, Colorado; Byron K. (Lakeisha) Burns and Bernard (Shakeva) Palmer, Jacksonville, Florida; Viola Bean and Yolanda Palmer, Thomasville, Georgia; Burgess (Natasha) Palmer, Bainbridge, Georgia; Crystal Palmer, Coolidge, Georgia; and Benjie Bell, Junction City, Kansas. He was blessed with (24) grandchildren, and (3) great grandchildren.

Other survivors include a favorite niece Melissa Palmer, a special nephew Joe F. Burns, Sr., and a special friend Joyce. His memory will be cherished forever by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, Godchildren, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Loretta Jackson and Emma Lee McCormick.