Earl Burns

Earl Sylvester Burns was born to Betty Jane Johns Tyree and Warren Burns on Sunday, December 13, 1942, in Washington Court House, Ohio. He was the second of ten children. Earl was affectionately called “Skippy” or “Skip” by family and childhood friends; however, to most, he was known as “Burns.”

From a young boy, Earl was raised by his grandparents, Maude and Earl Burns, also known as “SecaMia” (Second Mama) and “Poppy.” SecaMia was Earl’s heart. He often shared how SecaMia provided the love and nurture that he needed. She often protected him from Poppy, when he was in trouble. His Washington Court House family was very special to Earl, and he cherished many fond memories.

Earl was a proud 1960 graduate of Jeffersonville High School, where he played basketball, baseball, and ran track. It was noted in his high school yearbook that Burns, a center on the Basketball Team, scored 349 points his senior year and was a member of the All-County Tournament Team.

Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force, after graduating from high school. He completed a tour of duty in Korea. This United States Veteran served his country well and was honorably discharged. While stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base, in Del Rio, Texas, Earl met Ms. Dorothy Lee Payne. After a brief courtship, Dorothy and Earl were united in marriage June 11, 1965, and moved their family to Columbus, Ohio.

Earl was employed at the Buckeye Youth Center, a facility of the State of Ohio Juvenile Correctional Institution, for more than thirty dedicated years. He also worked, concurrently, at Westinghouse for ten years. He was later employed with On My Own, an organization that provided independent living for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Burns developed strong relationships with many of the residents and had a positive impact on their lives. To this day, some continued to call him at home to talk with him. In retirement, Burns became an entrepreneur and established Be Blessed Lawn Service, serving homes, churches, and businesses throughout the Columbus community and surrounding vicinities. He also made deliveries for 3W Printing.

Burns was an excellent provider and protector of his wife and family, all of whom he dearly loved. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren, especially with afterschool activities. It was his joy watching Wanda perform with the West High School Marching Band Weskets, teaching Valerie how to swim, and attending all sports activities of Jeffery, Andre, and Jalen. He was their greatest cheerleader. Valerie reflects how Burns was right by her side as she recovered from being hit by a car.

Burns worked hard and he played just as hard. Burns was the life of the party. He had an effervescent presence. Dorothy and Burns were members of the Kings and Queens Social Club. Burns did not miss a beat enjoying family gatherings, cabarets, house parties, picnics, sports events, and vacations. You always knew when Burns was in the house.

Burns loved the Lord. He grew up in a Christian home. After retiring however, he developed a stronger walk with Christ. He was a former member of Second Baptist Church where he sang in the Mass Choir, the Male Chorus, and served as Deacon. In 2000, Burns accepted his call into the ministry. He later continued his Christian journey at New Salem Baptist Church, where he served as an Associate Minister. One could find Burns praising God in his own special way. Burns would say, “I played hard in life and I’m working just as hard for the Lord.”

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, God dispatched angles to OSU East Medical Center, to carry our beloved Earl S. Burns home to glory. He was blessed with seventy-nine years of life. In addition to his parents and grandparents, Burns was preceded in death by his siblings, Beverly, Terry, Johnny, Debbie, Janie, Marita, and Mark Tyree; aunts, Mickie, Margaret, Margena, and Joella; and uncles, Chuck, Georgie, and Calvin.

Celebrating his life and legacy are his wife of fifty-seven years, Dorothy Lee Burns; children, Wanda (Michael) Neal, Valerie Davis, and Jeffery (Tammy) Burns; bonus children, Adrinna Kelley and Winston W. White; grandchildren, Andre, Jalen , Aireona, and Reese; great grandchild, Rosalind; siblings, Tony Tyree and Martina Tyree; aunts, Mary Lee Burns and Blanca McKee; son-in-law, Keith Davis; best friend, Steve Bell; and a host of other family members and dear friends.