Anthony John Burger, international gospel and classical pianist, died on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006.
The son of Richard and Jean Burger, he was born on June 5, 1961, in Cleveland.
Having been severely burned as a baby, doctors believed he would never have full use of his hands. However, by age 3, he began playing the piano on his own accord. By age 5, he began study at the University of Tennessee’s Cadek Conservatory of Music, the youngest ever admitted.
He began touring with the gospel quartet "The Kingsmen" at age 16. He spent the last 11 years of his life as the pianist in the Gaither Homecoming Series while also focusing on his solo career.
Anthony received many awards and honors in his life. He was voted Musician of the Year by Singing News magazine 10 years straight until finally the award was named after him. A previous recipient of the Dove award, he has once again been nominated this year for the instrumental album of the year.
He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Among other activities, he participated in the Billy Graham Crusades on several occasions. Anthony played for many dignitaries, including Presidents Carter, Reagan and George W. Bush.
He is survived by his wife, LuAnn Burger, of Franklin; parents, Richard and Jean Burger, of Cleveland; sons, Anthony John and Austin McKinley Burger, of Franklin; daughter, Lori Apple, of Franklin; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Linda Burger, of Athens, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Clinton and Janet Burger, of Cleveland; sister-in-law and husband, Angela and Linn Durbin, of Cleveland; nephews, Travis Burger and Alan Davis, both of Cleveland; nieces, Tabitha Huff, Monica Chesnutt, Hannah Durbin and Sydney Durbin, all of Cleveland; uncle and aunt, Homer and Dena Thompson, of Greybull, WY; uncle and aunt, Dean and Margaret Thompson, of Cleveland; uncle, Hershel Burger; and aunt, Katherine Huellett, both of Cleveland; aunt and uncle, Naomi and Paul Sexton, of Cleveland; aunts, Willie Murphy and Reba Sparks, both of Cleveland; aunt and uncle, Francis and Junior Whaley, of Fort Wayne, IN; aunt and uncle, Lily and Charlie Pritchard of Fort Myers, FL; numerous cousins and countless friends.
A service will first be held at Christ Church in Nashville. Afterward, in Cleveland, gathering of friends will take place at Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with a service to be held at Clingan Ridge Baptist Church. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Final arrangements are forthcoming.
Anthony began his music career with "The Old Rugged Cross" and ended it with "We Shall Behold Him." This a testament to his life’s work of bringing people to Christ so that they can join him in the Kingdom of Heaven. We will miss him, but we know that Anthony is now accompanying angels.
We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Burger family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.