NEIL FRANKLIN BURNSIDE

NEIL FRANKLIN BURNSIDE, born October 30, 1924 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Mr. Ray and Dorothy Burnside passed away in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ on the 26th day of December 2009 surrounded by family and friends. Mr. Burnside was a six-year resident of Oakland, formerly residing in Detroit, MI; London, England; Memphis and Venice, FL. He was 85 years of age.

Funeral Services with Military Honors for Mr. Burnside were conducted at 2 P.M. Thursday, December 31st at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Rev. Larry Kendrick, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Somerville, officiating. A Visitation for Mr. Burnside took place from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Peebles West Chapel. Private Interment followed in the West Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery in Germantown. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes-West Chapel of Oakland.

Mr. Burnside enlisted in the United States Army on November 27, 1942 and served from May 20, 1943 to February 10, 1946. During World War II, Mr. Burnside received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, Bronze Star and a Victory Medal. He served in the Rhineland and Central Europe battles and campaigns. As a member of a radio team, Technician Fifth Grade Burnside's vehicle was halted in a convoy column which was taken under heavy, accurate enemy aerial and artillery bombardment. Refusing courageously to seek a position of safety, he remained in his dangerous position in order to continue servicing the vital message given out for dispatch. The outstanding bravery and commendable devotion to duty displayed by Technician Fifth Grade Burnside reflects the highest credit upon himself and his military service.

After being honorably discharged from the military, Mr. Burnside attended Harvard University and received his MBA. Mr. Burnside was a trusted businessman holding financial positions at General Motors from 1945-1951, and then several financial positions with Ford Motor Company from 1951-1979. After taking an early executive retirement from Ford Motor Company, Mr. Burnside accepted a position with Methodist Hospital in Memphis. This position gave Mr. Burnside the opportunity to contribute his skills in a field that served humanity more directly. Mr. Burnside served Methodist Hospital for eleven years where he helped the hospital grow from three hospitals in Memphis to sixteen hospitals in three states. After his retirement from Methodist at the end of 1990, he began consulting work. He lead the United States Agency for International Development mission to the Czech Republic assisted by his wife.

So graciously known as Mr. Neil; a humble, giving and loving person, Mr. Burnside never hesitated to do well for others. Whether it was through words of encouragement or financial gifts of kindness, he always gave from his heart with his all.

Mr. Burnside leaves his wife and love of over sixty-five years, Jacqueline M. Burnside, to cherish his memories. He also leaves his son, Timothy S. Burnside and a daughter-in-law, Mary Sue of Oakland. He leaves one granddaughter, Jennifer Burnside of Fayette County.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the church, charity or organization of the donor's choice.