Thomas Burns, Jr.

Thomas Burns, Jr., 85, of 301 Lane Drive, Elizabeth City, NC died Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Sentara Norfolk General Heart Hospital.  Born in Fall River, MA, he was the son of the late Thomas Burns, II and Alyce Savard Burns Webster and was the husband of Hilda Perry Burns of the home.  Mr. Burns was a veteran of WWII, having served in the United States Marine Corps and of the Korean conflict during which he served in the United States Air Force.  Following his service time, Mr. Burns attended the University of Massachusetts and received a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering.  He went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and retired as an engineer in 1979.  Mr. and Mrs. Burns then moved to Elizabeth City where he served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board of Pasquotank County and eventually became the President of the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  Mr. Burns was an accomplished author and poet who has three published books.  He was a member of Corinth Baptist Church since 1979 and a Sunday School teacher for over fifty years.

 In addition to his wife of sixty years, Mr. Burns is survived by a daughter, Debbie-Beth Mutzabaugh and husband Gary of Suffolk, VA; two granddaughters, Traci Smith and husband Steve and Kelly Williams and husband Ricky, all of Chesapeake, VA; and a great-granddaughter, Evelyn Smith.

 A funeral service will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Twiford Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Dr. David Turner officiating.  Burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton.  The family will receive friends one hour prior the service at the lobby of the funeral home and all other times at the residence.  Flowers are welcomed, or memorial donations may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 1035 US Highway 17 South, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.  Twiford Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is assisting the Burns family. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.