Jerry Burney

September 30, 1941 - March 19, 2021

After spending several years battling Parkinson’s, dementia, and other ailments, Dad went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2021. Even at the end, Dad was concerned about Mom and us kids, and his grandkids, as well as helping anyone in need or in pain (even at the nursing home!).

Mom, Lauren, and I were all grateful we had some precious time to spend with him in these last few months, and just thank God for the life that he lived. We love ya, Dad, and thank you.

– Brett
March 22, 2021

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9 entries.
Tom Whatley Tom Whatley from Granbury, Texas
It would be impossible to express in words alone the joy of knowing Jerry Burney and working along side him. We first met Jerry at "Jerry's Drawing Board" where he helped our company Eagle Metal Products develop some print advertising which put us on the road to growing our company. We came up with a mail-out of a pair of our connector plates with a sticker on them that said "Good Plates, Good Prices, = Good Business". A very simple message but a good one that worked. Later on Jerry came on board to help us in sales. Between Jerry and I we covered the whole USA or as we used to say the "free world". Jerry could cover more territory in a car and meet more people than anyone. There are people all over the USA that loved Jerry or as many called him "Mr. Burney". From Mississippi, to Pennsylvania, to Iowa, and the West Coast Jerry called on hundreds of truss plants and pallet yards across the country. Many of the accounts we have today were brought on by Jerry. His efforts helped to grow our company not only in sales but more importantly as a company with Christian values. You could tell immediately that Jerry served his Savior and put Him first in his life. His kind words, big smile, and accommodating spirit just flowed from him.

Second only to the Lord was his family. He loved his Nelda, Brett, and Lauren. He got such a kick and laugh out of telling stories about them. Like Nelda getting caught at the airport security with all her scissors and knitting tools. You got to admit "that there's funny". Stories of Brett and Lauren's accomplishments and families would always produce a big smile on his face. He was so proud of you.

Jerry was a friend and a man that we will all miss. We were blessed to have him in our lives. We are looking forward to seeing him again in heaven. In the interim may we all strive to bring into this world as much laughter, service to others, and love as this wonderful man.
Stanley Wilson Stanley Wilson from Gunbarrel Tx.
Well I'm over my pity party now, after all, how could my very best McDonald coffee drinking buddies leave me all alone. First it was Maxi, then Gene Oliver, and now my friend and brother in Christ Jerry has gone to his eternal home also. Jerry and I had a relationship that the world we live in today wouldn't understand . Saying I love you to Jerry was easily understood if you knew what that love exemplified. We shared the love of Christ when we talked about our families, church or world events. Jerry was a role model for us all in that he didn't just preach and teach the Bible, he lived passionately what he believed about God. I'm sure gonna miss him and the guys but surely there must be a McDonalds somewhere along the golden streets of heaven. I probably won't be far behind Jerry so if anyone that we know shows up in the future, just look for us, you know where we'll be.
Jason Whatley Jason Whatley from Columbia
Mr. Burney was my best friend’s father and my first boss (at “Burney’s Drawing Board”). From the moment I met him, he treated me like one of the family. His warm and perpetual smile, his hearty laugh, and his good nature defined him to everyone that was around him. He offered counsel when needed, he always had a kind and encouraging word — and he loved those around him. He also exhibited joy and happiness, no doubt the products of his close walk with the Lord. What a great, great man and brother. I love him and his beautiful family, and I thank God for what time I had with him and for the impact he had on all of us.
Ben Stoddart Ben Stoddart from College Station
I know my entry probably won't be as interesting as my brother's or my sister's, but its important to me. I remember during the times we stayed with my grandparents up in Mabank, Jerry would take me with him to go get donuts for the family if I was up early enough. He and I would talk about how different the life of a kid my age was compared to when he was that young. It was during one of those trips that he told me what I will always remember most about him. He hoped that when he passed on, that an angel would greet him, and tell him, "Jerry, your tour of the universe is ready!" All he wanted was to see all the beauty of God's creation. I hope he's enjoying an amazing view of the cosmos, taking in every terrifying and beautiful sight that God has gifted to the universe, and that he'll take us on that same tour when we join him once more.
Bo Stoddart Bo Stoddart from College Station, TX
My grandfather was a very special person in my life. Every time my family would go up to Mabank, we'd stop by a Whataburger in Gun Barrel City so we could meet the grandparents and have a nice meal. Each time we were there he'd have an interesting story to tell. He'd share how during one of his days at the DMZ in Korea, he was looking down his binoculars and saw a group of North Korean soldiers doing the same. He waved at them, and they unexpectedly waved back. He'd laugh while telling the ending. Apparently he's been to 6 continents, including Antarctica! When I asked him about his experience at Antarctica, he said he stepped off the plane, thought it was cold, and stepped back in. Christmasses and Thanksgivings when I was young were the highlight of my year. We'd go to the tree farm and get a Christmas tree, we'd have these great Thanksgiving dinners with many home-cooked recipes, and of course, we'd spend time with Grandma and Pop. My grandfather provided me with countless memories that I will always cherish and I will miss him dearly. Thank you Pop, for the magical experiences when I was young and the colorful stories and memories you gave me as I grew older.
Tessa Stoddart Tessa Stoddart from College Station
I have so many but one I think of at the moment is when I stayed a whole week at their house and he sat with me and watched ALL of the Shirley Temples on VHS, then we would spend hours talking about them and singing the songs, another is the joy I had when waking up in the morning knowing he would have donuts out on the table then we would talk with my brother Bo and the expressions he made while listening to him was fascinating and memorable, he looked as if he was trying so so hard to understand what he saying and then he would shake his head and laugh in disbelief but at the same time he would be intensely interested in what Bo was explaining about. Of course, there are so many more memories that I would love to share but that would take years to do, I love you Pop, you made my life so much more with your presence.
Lauren Burney Stoddart Lauren Burney Stoddart from College Station, TX
My father would shake his head in a specific way whenever I had done something crazy. Bring home a dog that ate the Thanksgiving turkey, tore down the screen door, and vomited all over the floor? Headshake. Try to unsuccessfully nurse a possum back to health hidden in my room? Headshake. Get lost for hours in Dallas and Fort Worth (and surrounding areas) because I had neither map nor sense of direction (before Google maps) complete with teenaged panic drama? Headshake. Mess up his tools for not only mine, but my friend's school projects? Headshake. Having to admit that my pregnant hamster had chewed out of her cage and was loose in the house? (Yes, several generations of free-roaming hamsters would occasionally reappear) You guessed it - headshake from my Dad. I will miss that headshake - that look of exasperation mixed with amusement (and sometimes relief for my safety). I hardly ever got in trouble, but he was able to teach me so much with that look and gesture. I saw it work it's magic on my own children as well. Thank you, Dad, for teaching me so much about what truly matters and for being so patient.
Stephanie Burney Stephanie Burney from Auburn Twp
Dad came to stay with us when I was on bed rest during my pregnancy with Nolan. Ella was two years old. I called Dad and Mom to wish Mom a happy birthday and let them know I was headed home for the sofa (again). Dad had just retired two weeks before, and they had just set up the yard for a big garage sale. He took the phone from Mom and said, “When do you need me to be there?” Then they packed up everything that they’d spent two days setting up for the garage sale. Dad was on the road in mere hours—that was Friday, and by Sunday at 5pm he was standing in my kitchen in Ohio. He did everything—laundry, cleaned, cooked meals, took Ella to preschool, did grocery shopping and coupon runs, and cut peanut butter and jelly sandwiches into tiny squares that are still famous. He stayed with us for five weeks, flew home to be with Mom for Christmas, and then they drove back to help for three more weeks when Nolan arrived. That’s who Dad was—a selfless and humble servant who loved his grandchildren...even before they were born. I’m proud to be part of his legacy. Thanks for everything, Dad.
Brett Burney Brett Burney from Cleveland, OH
One of my favorite memories must be from 1978 when we driving our huge green 1977 Buick Estate station wagon to missionary orientation. Dad let me climb up to the front seat where he sat me on his lap and let me steer for a while. I felt like I was on top of the world but still safe in the arms of Dad.

Obituary:

Jerry Burney, 79, of Mabank, Texas, passed away peacefully to the presence of his Lord on March 19, 2021. He was born September 30, 1941, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and dedicated his life to serving Jesus Christ by becoming a devoted husband, father, and ministering to anyone in need.

In 1965, Jerry served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea. At the end of his tour he returned home to marry Nelda Ruth Bennett on June 30, 1967 and had son Brett in 1971 and daughter Lauren in 1973. All three survive Jerry along with 5 grandchildren: Ben, Bo, Tessa, Ella, and Nolan.

Most of Jerry’s career was spent working in newspaper shops around Texas, including the Corpus Christi Caller Times. In 1978, the Burney family was appointed as missionaries to Ghana, West Africa where they lived and served for 6 years. Jerry was responsible for publishing evangelical literature used in churches throughout Ghana as well as starting new congregations and leading worship services.

After the family returned to the United States in 1985, Jerry ran a local print shop in Mabank and worked for several local newspapers around Dallas and East Texas. He retired in 2008 after more than 15 years in sales for Eagle Metal Products to spend cherished time with his family and grand children.

Jerry stayed zealously active in local churches preaching, teaching Sunday school, leading music, serving on committees, and generally ministering to anyone in the community that could use a helping hand and a willing ear.

No memorial service is currently scheduled, but details will be posted on www.jerryandnelda50.com when one is scheduled (and where you can share your memories). Because Jerry was so passionate about helping others, the family has requested that any donations be made in Jerry’s name to the First Baptist Church of Mabank benevolence fund (P. O. Box 283, Mabank, TX 75147, 903-887-3921 www.fbcmabank.com).