Jerry Lamar Burns was born April 9, 1947 in Sylvania, GA.  He spent his entire life in northern Effingham County near the Kildare Community.  He passed away Monday, July 19, 2021.

He graduated from ECHS in 1965 where he lettered in basketball, football, track, and baseball.  This is also where he made many lifelong friends.  After high school he began his 50 plus year career in the logging industry, operating Jerry L. Burns Logging from 1965 until his recent retirement.  He served 6 years in the South Carolina National Guard.  He was a member of Mizpah United Methodist Church and part of the Crossroads Church Family.  He was a 50 year member of Newington Masonic Lodge and a Shriner.   He loved fast cars, loud motors, and gasoline.  He will be remembered for his time spent racing on the drag strip, the round track, boat racing, and go-karting.  He collected friends wherever he went and was a true and loyal friend to many.

First and foremost he loved his family.  He was predeceased by his parents, Guerry and Avis Burns and his in-laws, Bennie and Dot Standard.

He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Sandra Burns; his daughters, Gena Kicklighter and Brooke Graham (Travis); and his four grandchildren, Jessi, Jeremy, and Jordyn Kicklighter and Dozier Graham.  He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph D. Burns (Jeannette), Jon G. Burns (Dayle), Preston Jerry Scott (Barbara); sister-in-law, Rebecca Goines (Jimmy), 4 nephews who were like sons, several great-nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins and other relatives.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. at the Mizpah United Methodist Church Cemetery, 122 Mizpah Road, Clyo, GA 31303.

The family will receive visitors following the service at their home, 5300 Clyo Kildare Road, Clyo, GA 31303.

Remembrances may be given to Mizpah United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, 122 Mizpah Road, Clyo, GA 31303 or Crossroads Church Future Facilities Fund, 3469 Courthouse Road, Guyton, GA 31312.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421