John Thomas Burks, 92, formerly of Ayden Road but more recently of Arbor Ridge at Eden, passed away Friday, September 24, 2010 at Morehead Memorial Hospital. A funeral service will be held Sunday, September 26, at 2 PM at North Spray Christian Church. Entombment will follow in Overlook Mausoleum. A native of Spray, NC, Mr. Burks was born July 15, 1918, son of the late Benjamin Harrison and Viola Meeks Burks. He was a World War II Navy veteran and the retired co-owner of Burks and Vestal General Merchandise. Mr. Burks was a member of North Spray Christian Church where he served as a deacon as well as a board member and trustee. He was also a former Advisory Board member of NCNB and a retired firefighter with Spray Volunteer Fire Department. Surviving are his two daughters, Peggy B. Bowers and husband, Buddy, and Patsy B. Vestal and husband, Bobby, both of Eden; three grandchildren, Scott Thomas Vestal and wife, Renee of Eden, Jessica Bowers Good and husband, Mark of Clemmons, and Sean Patrick Vestal and wife, Becky of Pfafftown; great-grandson, Eli Thomas Vestal; great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Vestal; sisters-in-law, Anne DeHart and Pauline Litaker of Eden, and Billie DeHart of Roanoke, VA, ; and brother-in-law Melvin A. Cook of Eden. The family will receive friends Saturday evening, 6 - 8 pm at Fair Funeral Home and other times at the homes of the daughters, Peggy, 170 Daisy Road; and Patsy, 640 E. Stadium Drive. Memorial contributions may be made to North Spray Christian Church, (Van Fund), 521 Washburn Avenue, Eden, NC 27288. Online condolences may be offered to the Burks family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Dear Peggy, So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in tought and prayer. Debbie
Debbie Green
Patsy and family so sorry to hear of your loss, just know he if with the Lord and is in a better place. God Bless you and your family in the days to come. If you need anything just let me know. Abbie Walker
Abbie Walker
Dear Peggy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Having been through it recently, I know that your hearts are heavy. Just know that I am thinking of you and sending supportive prayers your way that God will hold you in his arms and get you through this. Love, Kathy
Kathy Lane
Family you are in our prayers.
Mac Washburn
Peggy, I am so sorry about your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy and WC Wrangham
Nancy Wrangham
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
serita hodges and Malene Jennings
Peggy, Patsy, and Family Members: You are in my prayers and I know it isn't easy to lose your loved one. John was a special person to many people and friends. Remember the good memories. Keep family close so pain and grief will be easier. God heals but to me time never did. Know that your dad is at peace and rest. Love to All, Barbara
Barbara Gammons
To The Burks Family: I am truly sorry for the loss of your love one. In the days ahead, please keep in mind God's wonderful promise found in the Bible at Revelation chapter 21, verse 4. It reads: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." You have my sincere condolence.
Hattie Matthews
Peggy, Patsy we were so sorry to hear of your loss. The Lord allowed you to have him for a number of years. He is at home with your mother and they are looking down on you with pride. Our love and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Peggy & Gaylord Dix
Peggy & Gyalord Dix
Dear family, I went to high school with Scott Vestal and am sorry to hear of your loved one's passing. May the Lord comfort you in the days ahead and give you peace in this time of grief in your lives.
Scott Hall
Patsy and family, sorry to hear bout your daddy.He was a great man,husband, father and great grandfather.He was a well thought of person, Every time I ever seen him he he had a smile on his.He is with your mother so he is happy.May the Lord be with you.You are in my thoughts and prayers.If there is any think I can do for you please let me know. Ann and Billy Price
ann price
Peggy, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I know we have talked about him so much at Capellis. He will be missed. Take Care Pat Fargis
Pat Fargis
Peggy and Patsy, We are so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a generous and kind person with a friendly smile for everyone. I am in LasVegas and just got the NS Christian Church bulletin. Mom is with Martie in WI and they received the message today. Please know that all of us are thinking about you and know that although you are grieving, you know that John is in a much better place. Love you, Myrna
Myrna Stephens
He was always such an inspiration to me. I remember just a few years ago when he braved a terrible snowstorm to attend an afternoon church service. His absence is a great loss for our community, but a blessing to all the other saints who were there to meet him when he went home. I only knew him in the last few years of his life. Wish I'd known him 50 years ago.
Michael Reynolds
Patsy, I have been out of town and just found out about your dad. I am so sorry. I did not find out in time to send out a phone tree to let the Friends Club know. I hope they were able to find out and go to his memorial. He was a very nice man. I have his biography here in our friends club history book.( I am sure Shirley gave you a copy) If not and you want it let me know. Mr. Burks was a great asset to our community and will be missed. Love, Carla Huffman
Carla Huffman
Patsy and family-I just learned of John's passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. I worked for John at Southard and Burkes when I was very young and needed guidance. John was very good to me , sort of like a father . I am very grateful that the Lord put him in my life when I needed him. What a wonderful man he was. God bless. Nancy
Nancy Dishmon
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