Orlander Burns
Orlander "Zert" Burns passed peacefully in his home on January 19, 2021, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the age of 63.
He was preceded in death by his late father, Velpo Burns of Alabama, mother, Annie Jo Burns, and sister, Bessie Burns of Chattanooga.
Zert is survived by his wife Deidra and three children, Orlander, Montel and Montrel Burns, of Chattanooga; brothers, Mirrie Burns and Calvin Davis of Chattanooga; and Kenneth Burns of Alabama; sisters, Phyllis Burns, Connie Tai, and Tracy Alvies of Alabama.
Zert was born on Nov. 24, 1957, in Daleville, Al., to Velpo and Annie Jo Burns. He graduated from Howard High in 1975. He married Deirda Lykes Burns, his high school sweetheart, in 1977. After moving to Chattanooga, graduating high school, and marrying his high school sweetheart, Zert began working for Moccasin Bend where he was employed for many years.
Zert was a jack-of-all-trades with a host of many talents. He was a social and active man who was deeply involved in the community. He enjoyed cutting hair, yard work, and carpentry. His family and friends will always remember him as a hardworking man.
He will be greatly missed by his 11 grandchildren, DeJuan, Nashaya, Brandon, Samuel, Paxton, and Melody, Montrel Jr, and Cora Lykes; two great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, family, loving in-laws, the Lykes and Lockart family, and friends.
A memorial visitation will be held from 12-3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.