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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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.
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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).