Harold Leroy Burnsed
Harold Leroy Burnsed “lifted off the runway” on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Harold is survived by his wife, Patsy Jane (Hawkins) Burnsed; two daughters, Sandra Miller Lowery (Gary) and Linda Burnsed; five grandchildren, Justin Craig Miller (Diane); Christopher Alan Miller (Heather); Aaron Thomas Miller (Hailey); Bethany Miller Sullivan (Blake), Brian Keith Burnsed; and eight “greats” - Zachary Preston Miller, Julia Rose Miller, Wells Miller Sullivan, Frank Maxwell Miller, Liam Craig Miller, Landon Leroy Miller, Henry Lawrence Miller, and Adeline Blake Sullivan; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John E. Hawkins and Eleanor B. Hawkins; two nieces, Marjorie Hawkins Hodges (Carlton) and Mary Hawkins Weeks (Paul); two great-nieces, Anna Weeks and Elle Hodges; two great-nephews, John Hodges and Davis Weeks; and many, many treasured friends.
Harold was predeceased by his son, Donald Keith Burnsed; his aunt, Tessie Page; and both parents.
Harold was born on April 26, 1934, in Jacksonville, Fl., to Lonnie M. and Faye Lewis Burnsed. But from the age of 12, he was “raised” by his aunt, Tessie Page, in Monticello, Fl. Harold graduated in 1952 from Jefferson High School in Monticello, Fl., where he met his wife of 71 years, Patsy Jane Hawkins. Following graduation, Harold joined the United States Air Force and served in Laon, France for 3½ years where their firstborn, Donald Keith Burnsed, was born.
Moving back to the States, Harold established a career in the insurance industry where he served financial institutions throughout the Southeast. Although 90 years of age at the time of his death, he continued to take great pride in the business relationships he made throughout the years. He was a member of The Gideons International for 40 years, serving as president of the Chattanooga east camp for three years.
Harold enjoyed life and feared for nothing. He was the eternal optimist. He loved meeting the needs of others, generous with his time and money. His dedication to those he loved was limitless. He was fun, the life of the party, and well-liked by virtually everyone he met. He loved people, music, camping, roller coasters, traveling, and was a dedicated Vol fan to the very end, donating his body to UT College of Medicine. Last but not least, he loved his Heavenly Father and his family often saying, “I’m highly blessed!” He will be sorely missed.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. (CST) at First Baptist Church, Fairview, Tn. 37062 (Casual Dress). Everyone is invited to join the family following the celebration to share in food and fellowship. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Gideon’s International, Chattanooga East Camp, P.O. Box 8792, Chattanooga, Tn. 37414.