Thomas Albert Burke, Jr., age 82, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Williamson Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Johnson officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Born on January 14, 1943, in Nashville, Tennessee and raised in Shelbyville, Tom was the son of the late Thomas Albert Burke and the late Ethelwyn Thompson Burke. After graduating high school, he attended Nashville Auto Diesel College. Tom spent his life caring for his parents and, after their passing, took over the family home and farm. He enjoyed farming, riding his tractor, and tending to the cows. Known as an “old soul,” Tom found joy in watching classic westerns and was especially recognized for his knowledge and passion for politics. He was of the Christian faith and attended Servant’s Heart Church.
He is survived by his niece, Cyndi Warren, nephew, Bobby Barron, great nieces and nephews, Wesley Mabry, Robby (Peyton) Barron, Emily Carol Barron (Chris) Williams, Tiffany (Andy) Jenks, and Misti Warren; great-great-nieces and nephews, Wesley Mabry, Jordan Mabry, Nicholas Mabry, Abel Mabry, Arianna Mabry, Bennett Barron, Barrett Barron, Brooks Barron, Beckett Williams, Lilah Williams, Avery Jenks, and Greenlee Jenks; and great-great-great niece and nephew, Kaiser Mabry and Khloe Mabry.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Emily Burke Barron.
The men of Servant’s Heart Church will serve as pallbearers.
