MSGT Louis Ray Burns died November 29, 2013 at the Hospice House of Rutherford County in Forest City, North Carolina. Visitation will be Saturday from 1-2 p.m. at Maud Church of Christ with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. The burial will be in Maud Cemetery. Louis is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Earl Reece Burns, and one sister, Almajean Maxwell, and a son-in-law, Robbie Mattox. Louis was raised in Maud, Alabama and in 1959 joined the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force he traveled to England, Japan, Germany, and also lived in Ft. Meade, Maryland. While in England he met Irene Adams, whom he married and they had five children. They later divorced but remained the best of friends. Lou spent 24 years on active duty then retired and worked for the NSA at Ft. Meade for another 10 years. After this he returned to Maud Alabama and was a member of the Church of Christ. Lou loved his church. Lou spent his retirement visiting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren that are scattered throughout the United States. Lou also enjoyed visiting the girls and the bank and front porch sitting. Louis is survived by his five children. His daughter Jo Williams and husband Terry of Forest City, North Carolina. Son Ray Burns of Nashville, Tennessee. Daughter Fonda Jameson and husband Pat of Hilmar, California. Daughter Cheryl Burkhart and husband John of Joplin, Missouri. Daughter Renee Harlan and husband Eric of Joplin, Missouri. Surviving grandchildren are Robert Carroll and wife Marlo of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. SFC Dustin Carroll and wife Kerstin of Ft. Benning, Georgia. Stephanie Bostic of Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Mary Susan Kuenning and husband Jim Flanagan of New York, New York. Rebecca Jameson of Oakdale, California. Bethany Jameson of Modesto, California. Carl Jameson of St. Louis, Missouri. Casey, Adam, Jonathan, and Jared Burkhart of Joplin, Missouri. Mary and Megan Mattox of Joplin, Missouri. Lou also has four great-grandchildren, Joshua, Mati, Mila, and Annah. Louis Ray is also survived by one brother David Burns of Maud, Alabama and sister-in-law Lana Burns of Cherokee, Alabama. Also left to cherish his memory are Irene and Tony Lopez of Forest City, North Carolina. Louis was a kind, caring man who was loved by all that knew him. He will be missed by his family, friends, and dog Bandit. Pallbearers will be Robert Carroll, Carl Jameson, Hoyt DeVaney, Kelvin Burns, Kendrick Burns, Adam Burkhart, and honorary pallbearer Jared Burkhart. In “lou” of flowers, donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Association or Alzheimer’s Association.
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