James Douglas Burton, 91, was born on May 8, 1930, in Marshall County, Tennessee. He was the son of Clarence E. Burton and Beatrice Holly Burton. He passed away on February 2, 2022, at Maury Regional Medical Center.
He was raised in the Brick Church Community in Giles County in a loving family. He graduated from Beech Hill High School in 1948. He attended Martin Methodist College for two years and upon completion began his teaching career. He taught for one year at Owen School in the Campbellsville Community of Giles County. He was one of two teachers in the school and was the principal, too.
On August 9, 1950, he became a member of the 1st Cavalry Division of the United States Army during the Korean War. He served his country for one year eleven months as a radio operator.
After completion of his duty, Mr. Burton attended Middle Tennessee State College. During the years that followed he received his BS and MA degrees and furthered his education completing his +30. While at Murfreesboro, he met his partner for life, Charlotte Williams. They married on August 6, 1954. Two weeks after getting married, they moved to Culleoka where Mr. Burton began his educational career in Maury County as a teacher. The community became his home that he loved filled with former students, friends, and neighbors.
His 42 years in education included five years as a high school teacher and girls and boys basketball coach at Culleoka High School. He then moved to the Maury County Central Office and served as Supervisor of Secondary Education and, later, as Director of Instruction. At the time of his retirement in 1994, he held the position of Assistant Superintendent of Maury County Schools.
Mr. Burton was active in Maury County and other areas serving in various organizations such as Maury County Citizens Center board member. He was President of the Tuberculosis and Health Association of Maury County. He was President of the Maury County Education Association and Chairman on the Supervisors’ Section of the Tennessee Education Association. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Middle Tennessee State College Area Supervisors. His community service included more.
Mr. Burton attended and was a member of the Culleoka Church of Christ for 68 years. He served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, elder, and was the congregation’s treasurer for 30 years.
Mr. Burton had a lifelong love of sports including being a player, coach, observer, and ardent supporter of his children and grandchildren. His strong belief in education and the importance of developing and supporting students in Culleoka and Maury County continued until his final days. His first love was the classroom. His Christian beliefs and beliefs in fairness, thoughtfulness, respect, and love guided him in every aspect of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Charlotte Williams Burton; children, Anne (William) Davis and Jimmy (Mary Gay) Burton; grandchildren, Lucy (Dillon) Davis, Alan (Ariana) Davis, Maggie Burton, and Abby Burton; sisters-in-law, Lucy Evelyn Mashburn and Faye Burton; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews,
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence E. and Beatrice Holly Burton; brother, Wayne Burton; father and mother in law, Charlie and Lucy Williams; brothers-in-law, Frank Mashburn and Robert Williams.
Special thanks to those who helped care and shared a special bond with our father: Suzie Lynch Martin, Stacy Counts, Troy Counts, Martha Sims, and Misty Allen.
A private graveside service will be held Sunday at Friendship Cemetery in Culleoka with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Culleoka Church of Christ.
Pallbearers will be Robert Thompson, Jason Hardison, Troy Dugger, Tony Dugger, Steve Burgett, and Wesley Hickman.
