George E. Burton
Thursday 28th of August 1930 - Wednesday 13th of January 2021
Services
Visitation
Celebration of Life
Clergy Tommy Simpson
George
Edward Burton, born in Vanzant, KY, passed away January 13, 2021 at his
residence in Lexington, KY at the age of 90. George was the son of the late
Carter and Byrd Burton. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 59 years,
Mary Ready Burton and his brother, Carl Burton.
He
graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1953. Soon after his graduation,
George enlisted in the United States Army Signal Corps. He was stationed in Heidelberg,
Germany and rose through the ranks to First Lieutenant. In 1956, George married
Mary Ready. Also, that same year, he was hired as a student engineer, beginning
what would become a lifelong career with Southern Bell Telephone. He was an
outstanding leader, always prepared for a new challenge, he was promoted to
various management positions relocating several times within the state of
Kentucky. With 35 years of service, George retired from South Central Bell as
General Manager for Network Operations. George was also honored to serve as
President of the Paducah Lions Club and President of Telephone Pioneers of
Kentucky. Throughout his career, he met many along the way who would become
lifelong friends. George had a keen mind, quick wit and never met a stranger.
He was always interested and available with a word of advice or
encouragement.
Throughout
his life, George always loved the outdoors and he never missed an opportunity
to hunt, fish or work in the garden. His greatest joy was spending time with
his family and friends. In recent years,
he rarely missed a Sunday morning worship opportunity at Tates Creek Christian
Church.
George
is survived by his children, G. Barry (Mary) Burton, St. Louis, Missouri; Kim
Parsons, Lexington; and Kevin (Jennifer) Burton, Fishers, Indiana; his six
grandchildren: Sam, Emily, and Wyatt Burton; Richard and Laura Parsons; and
Matthew Burton. Also surviving, his
sister, Donna Moore, Hardinsburg, KY.
A
memorial service will be held at 11AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at
Milward-Broadway located at 159 N. Broadway. Visitation will take place one
hour prior to the service. Graveside committal will follow at Calvary Cemetery,
Lexington.
Memorial
contributions may be made to Tates Creek Christian Church, 3150 Tates Creek
Road, Lexington, KY 40502 or the Lexington Humane Society.
To
share a remembrance of George or offer condolences to his family, please visit www.milwardfuneral.com.
Guest Book
Jo Calhoun Sutherland
saysTo Mr. Burton's family, I have listened over the years as my father would relate fond memories of Mr. Burton. My father was Cleve Calhoun and he worked many years with George in the Telephone Pioneers and with South Central Bell. I'd say they are having a great laugh together in heaven as we speak! My condolences to you all.
Barbara Cornelius
saysTo all of the Burton Family Unfortunately I’ve not had the pleasure to meet all of you. I met Mary Burton, Several years ago through the Fayette Co. Republican Party. She was such a pleasant lady to go out for lunch and visit with. We usually talked about the lord, she said she was looking for a Church to call home. I invited her to come visit at Tate’s Creek Christian Church. For several weeks she came alone then one Sunday morning she brought George. They fell in love and joined after a short duration. They were among the most faithful members. Shortly later we lost Mary, yet George continued to come and soon his daughter Kim, started coming as well. What a fine fellow he was, always friendly and as he would walk down the isle to choose his seat he never failed to stop & chat or knock my seat with his Cain to say hello. Asking where (daughter) Kim was, he would say, she’s parking the car. While Covid has put a bit of a strain on being housed in church, hopefully Kim Parsons, will continue to serve our Heavenly Father at Tates Creek. You kids had two very fine parents. George, has now met our Lord face to face, while it’s true he will be sorely missEd by all, he is happier than ever before on earth. He ran the race, 🙏🏼 Barbara Cornelius
Randy Brooks
saysMr. Burton words cannot describe the appreciation I have for the privilege of knowing you and working in your organization during all the years of leadership you provided. Rest In Peace Sir.
Luke Johnson
saysMatthew, Mr. Kevin Burton, and the rest of the Burton family, please know that you are in my prayers during this difficult time of loss. May the Lord’s presence be felt and near as you celebrate a life well lived!
William “ Willie” Strange
saysMr. Burton, the most fair man I ever had the pleasure to work under during my career at South Central, BellSouth. Even after he retired and I retired, we would message each other on FB and on birthdays! Rest In Peace Mr. Burton! You will be missed!
Carol Wilson
saysGeorge you will be missed. You made going to work fun. Always had a smile and something nice to say to me and everyone else. You called me by my initials and it became a habit. CABWOW. if I received an intraoffice message from you that is how it was addressed. It always made me laugh. Even after you retired and I retired you never failed wished me a happy birthday. I had the rib ledge of working for you in Network services and due to your insistence I ran for president of the Telehone Pioneers of American and won. It was one of the biggest honors of my life to work along side of you. I Will miss our face book chats. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel today my friend. Fly high. With love and adoration. Carol