Tribute To A Great Man (Father-in-Law)
Dr. J F Burney
(1929 to 2009)
My father-in-law was one of the strongest men I know. Into his late 70’s he could outwork most men in their 20’s. He learned to work hard the old fashioned way. He had to in order to survive. He is truly a rags-to-riches kind of story, rising from the poverty of a single mother’s home to the prominence of President of Civitan International and the Dean of Business and Professional Studies at Austin Peay State University.
Dr. Burney was a true southern gentleman whose name is his honor. Throughout the community he is remembered for the life he lived and the influence he made. The joke when I married Cheryl was that I wanted into the family for the political connections it would bring. Some even said I wanted to improve my reputation. While that wasn’t my motivation, (Cheryl was) I’m certain it did and I couldn’t be more proud of that fact.
Dr. J (no period) F (no period) Burney was a down-to-earth scholar. Dr. Burney, well known for his creative ways of making people laugh, used his intelligence to keep a sharp, keen wit and sense of humor ever before him, even to his last days. Dr. Burney never forgot his humble roots. He could be just as at ease with leading dignitaries and businesspeople as he could be with those of lesser means. His humility in serving others was Christ-like. Although Dr. Burney was an accountant by trade and education, he was a servant by heart. Through his efforts and dedication, our community was made a better place, from providing programs for the handicapped to treatment for those seeking kidney treatments.
Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments, however, was building a strong family and home environment. The tables are always crowded at the Burney home, welcoming visitors locally and across the globe. I never knew who would show up at family gatherings. His children and grandchildren were his treasure and his gift to them is a lasting heritage.
God bless the memory of Dr. J F Burney.
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