William R. "Bill" Burton, Jr.

WILLIAM ROY "BILL" BURTON, JR., age 81, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, October 7, 2011, surrounded by his family, following an extended illness. Mr. Burton was born in Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania on December 4, 1929, to the late William Roy Burton, Sr. and Bertha Burton. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Sabrae Burton and Audrey Burton. Mr. Burton was a United States World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army in the infantry. He then went on to serve in the Korean Conflict in the 2nd Division and received the Silver Cross, the Distinguished Unit Citation, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart. After the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served in the Vietnam Conflict. Mr. Burton retired from the United States Military in 1970. He also worked for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for 25 years. Mr. Burton was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his beloved wife, Geraldine S. Burton, Clarkesville, GA; daughters, Amanda Kay Burton, Charleston, SC and Brenda J. Burton, Columbia, SC; daughter and son-in-law, Deborah Kay and Clarence Bramblett, Clarkesville, GA; son, William Roy Burton, III, New Orleans, LA; son and daughter-in-law, Dwayne K. and Joan Stephens, Summerville, SC; brothers, Irvin Burton and Roy Burton, both of Osceola, PA; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 10, 2011, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia with Rev. Roy G. Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors conducted. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour, on Monday, October 10, 2011, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family respectively requests that all donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation, 2115 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California 92101. Those wishing to express online condolences to the Burton family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia. (706) 778-1700