James Douglas "Doug" Burns, 71, of Springfield, Georgia passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, September 27th, 2024.
He was welcomed into this world by his adoring parents, Jim and Elise Burns, and his big sister, Vera. Not long after, he became a big brother to his best friend and life-long business partner, Tracy. At an early age, his parents instilled a strong work ethic that later became a way of life for him. He, along with his siblings, would complete farmwork prior to school and would return home to help around the farm that he truly loved. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed spending his time outdoors. If asked, many of the boys around "the Hill," will tell you, they learned the trade of hunting from the infamous Doug Burns. Oftentimes, he and his brother would be found out in their shop tinkering with things that needed that "Burns touch" for it to be just right for whatever job they had at hand. He was quite the jokester and loved encouraging others in risky ventures, which usually resulted in that person's property being slightly damaged.
After graduating from Effingham County High School in 1973, he and his brother decided to take their love of tinkering to a new level and opened a mechanics shop on Laurel Street in the middle of Springfield. After some time, they realized their love of the outdoors was calling and found themselves starting a forestry business in 1983. This endeavor allowed them to express their true passion in a multitude of forms, including mechanics and working many late nights, weekends and even holidays.
Marcia Lynn, as he affectionately called her, captured his heart at a tender age and after years of courtship, they married and welcomed their only son, Jarrid in October of 1985. Jarrid was his pride and joy until the very end; wherever one was, the other could be found in close proximity. Doug was the true definition of a father and provider for his family.
Doug would often tell you how blessed he was to have been born into his family and thoroughly enjoyed time spent with his loved ones. All of whom would express their deep appreciation and love for the man that he was and all that he meant to each of them.
He was a devoted member of Silver Hill Church in Springfield, Georgia, where he attended Sunday worship services with his family.
Douglas was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia Burns; and his parents, James "Jim" and Elise Burns.
Those left to cherish his life are his son, Jarrid Douglas Burns; sister, Vera Waters; brother, Tracy Burns (Cathy); brothers-in-law, Ardie Morgan, Eddie Morgan and Timothy Steed (Jenny), and sister-in-law, Denise Rahn (Bubba). He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be held from 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm on Monday, September 30th, 2024 at the funeral home. Funeral services will follow at 5:00 pm in the chapel with Rev. Nick Pumfrey officiating. Pallbearers will be Trey Burns, Laythen Driskill, Donnie Burns, Mark Burns, Adam Harrelson, Garrett Joyner, Corbin Steed, and Gavin Rowe.
Interment will follow at Silver Hill Church Cemetery.
Flowers have been provided by Fraizer's Flowers and Gifts in Statesboro, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Silver Hill Church.
Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421