Norman Gene Burton

Norman Gene Burton, resident of Bartlett, native Fayette Countian, and retired Shelby County Deputy Sheriff departed this life Friday afternoon, September 6, 2013 at his residence. He was 69 years of age and died following an illness of four months.

Services of Remembrance with Military Honors for Mr. Burton were conducted at 2 P.M. Monday, September 9th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Seth Garrington of Somerville, Mr. Burton’s brother-in-law, officiating. Personal remarks and reflections were given by Becky Childress, Mr. Burton’s daughter. Special music was provided by the New Gospel Heralds of Somerville. Interment followed in the Macon Cemetery in Macon, Tennessee. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center – West Chapel at Oakland.

Mr. Burton was born March 25, 1944 in the Macon Community. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Howard Burton and Mary Elizabeth Nidlett Burton. He received his education in the Fayette County Public School System and was a 1962 graduate of the Somerville High School. He was married October 10, 1980 to the former Patricia Melton, a homemaker, who survives.

Mr. Burton served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Period and was a Deputy Sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department for over 25 years before his retirement. He was a lifelong resident of Fayette and Shelby Counties and will be remembered as a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Gardening and favorite western television programs were his favorite pastimes. He was a patriotic person and much loved by his family. He received pleasure from his pet canine companion, “Cody”.

In addition to his wife of 32 years, Mr. Burton is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Ann “Becky” Childress (John) of Memphis; his son, Alan Burton of Memphis; three sisters, Peggy Garner (Terry) of Memphis, Angie Turnage of Memphis, Ruby Garrington (Seth) of Somerville; three brothers, Jack Burton (Evelyn) of Arlington, TN, Morris Burton (Maxine) of Williston, Ray Burton of Memphis; and his grandson, Noah David Childress.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Tyler Hill, Alan Burton, Rusty Garrington, Lance Burton, Shane Burton and Billy Burton.

The family requests that memorials be directed to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 41817, Memphis, TN 38174.