Thomas Aaron Burns, went to his heavenly reward on February 2, 2019. Aaron loved God and he loved people. He was devoted to the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Ruby Eubanks Burns, and their children: Jimmy Burns and his wife, Stephanie, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Roger Burns of Southaven, Mississippi; and Donna Burns Tanski and her husband, Steve, of Tuscaloosa. He was the proud granddaddy of six grandkids: Cortney (Kevin), Colt, Chase (Gracie), Carley, Maggie, Lily and one great-grandchild, Molly.
Aaron was a superhero to his children and grandchildren, but also to so many others who sought his wise counsel and calm strength including the many nieces and nephews of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by one brother, Jackson Burns (Anne) and one sister, Joyce Zurek. He is preceded in death by his other siblings: Houston, Christine, James, Jackson, Robbie Nell, Gerald, and Betty.
Aaron was born in Limestone County to Everett and Clora Ray Burns. He graduated from West Limestone High School where he met Ruby when they were 15 and 16. They married soon after Ruby graduated and started their life together. They lived in Chicago for a short while but returned to Athens to help care for Ruby’s brother and mother. In 1971, they moved to Memphis, Tennessee, and then to Horn Lake, Mississippi, where they raised their children with love and faith. In 2002, Aaron and Ruby retired to Athens. They joined Oakland Church of Christ and made many wonderful friends who became their second family.
Anyone who knew Aaron was struck by his work ethic. He loved to work and he loved to play and he loved to laugh while doing both. He could fix or build just about anything, and he was in high demand in his retirement to do all sorts of handyman jobs. When he wasn’t working, Aaron loved to hunt and fish and watch his grandkids play ball. An athlete himself, Aaron played multiple sports including football and basketball in high school and later in a men’s slow pitch league. Whatever his kids and grandkids were involved in, he was there to support them and they will never forget it.
We will celebrate the life of Aaron Burns on February 5th at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12-1:45 with service immediately following at 2pm. He will be laid to rest at Miller Cemetery in Lauderdale County. Thank you to everyone who helped our family during his illness.
