Joseph Burse, Jr.
Joseph Burse, Jr., was born on Monday, August 9, 1954, to parents, Joseph Burse Sr. and Lorina J. Burse.
He is the fourth child of three older sisters, Patricia Kay, Dorothy Ann, and Lorina Lillian. As he grew in stature over the years, Joe Jr. (Lil’ Man) became very protective of the three girls. His brotherly love was exceptional.
Joseph received Christ in his youth at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended the Chattanooga Public Schools and excelled in all areas of study.
Joseph Jr., affectionately known as ‘Joe-Junior’ was often described as a nice guy. He was gifted with a keen sense of humor and a charismatic disposition, which allowed him to touch, reach, and uplift the hearts of many. He was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved football (he was a running back for the Howard Hustling Tigers) and played for Howard High School until he graduated in the class of 1973. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after graduating and received an honorable discharge. Joe was proud to identify with the Marine Corps. He would always say with a smile, “I am a Marine”.
Joe-Junior fell in love and married his wife, Janice Reel Burse, his wife of 31 years. Joe and Jan were lovingly known as the “Burse Twins” because they would attend family gatherings and other events with their skillfully coordinated matching attire. Over the years, they took interesting vacations together.
Joseph was employed by the Westrock Company in Chattanooga for several years as a forklift operator. He retired in 2021.
Joe-Junior loved sports. He would often meet with family and friends to watch a basketball or football game, especially during the playoffs. He also enjoyed spending quality time with his Marine Corps best friends, Dwight W. Coffee and John McQuiddy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Lorina J. Burse.
He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Janice Reel Burse; three sisters, Patricia K. (Donald) Marks of Warrensville Heights, Ohio, Dorothy A. Franklin, of Chattanooga, and Lorina L. Upshaw, of Hixson; aunts, Bertha Burse, of Rossville, Georgia, Mary Lizzie Clemons of Reminderville, Ohio, Arrie Roberta Dews and Mamie Ruth Mathis, of Chickamauga, Georgia; uncle, Ivory (Mildred) Jones Jr., of Lyerly, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends; a salute to his Marine Corps best friends, Dwight W. Coffee and John McQuiddy.
A public viewing will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7, at the funeral home.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment: Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.