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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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.
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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).