Samuel "Sam" Thomas Burns, Iii

Samuel "Sam" Thomas Burns, III, 81, of Valdosta, passed away at South Georgia Medical Center on Tuesday, May 05, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born September 16, 1933 in Richwood, WV to the late Samuel Thomas Burns, Jr. and Martha Friend Burns. Upon receiving his bachelor's degree from Emory University, Mr. Burns joined the United States Air Force. After serving twenty five years he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and pursued his master's degree from Valdosta State University. Later, he started and ran his own real estate appraisal firm. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and sports of all types, especially VSU athletics. Known to many as Sam, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Mr. Burns was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Sam Burns is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Ruth Burns of Valdosta; one son, Bill Burns of Valdosta; two daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Gary Carter of Conyers, GA, Rebecca and Troy Bentley of Hahira; five grandchildren, Alden, Garrett, and Emily Carter all of Conyers, GA, Zachary Bentley of Hahira, Ashley Carter of Valdosta.

A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, May 8, 2015, at 11 a.m. at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. There will be no public visitation. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602