Jacob Burl Sain passed away on February 18, 2025, at College Pines Health and Rehabilitation Facility surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on May 16, 1932, in Toluca, NC to the late Bert and Tommie Sain. He is survived by his beloved wife, Thelma Shuping Sain and his children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Daughter Kim Harris of Marietta, Ga, her husband, Randy and grandchildren Mason Harris, his wife Lauren and great-grandchildren Monroe, Hadley and Chiara, Emily Watson and her husband Michael and great-grandson, Harris; Daughter Kathryn Sain Chan of Charlotte and her husband Andy Chan; son Tommy Sain of Morganton, his wife, Renae and grandchildren, Dr. Dillon Sain, his wife Dedra and great-grandchildren Kenna and Thomas, Meredith Brand and her husband Dan, Dr. Jared Sain and his wife Maria; Daughter Michelle Langdon of Raleigh and her husband Mark and grandson Colt; Daughter Donelle Reynolds of Wake Forest and her husband Bruce and grandchildren Mckenzie and Cameron; Sister Darcus Tillman of Bellwood, sister-in-laws Brenda Kay Shuping of Charlotte and Carlean Sain of West Lincoln. He was preceded in death by his sister, Norma Jane Brendle, and brothers Thomas Warren Sain and Don Sain.
Burl’s life began on a family farm in Lincoln County. Though he did not make his home there, he would forever lead a life of faith, heart, humor, hustle and a twinkle of mischief that first took root in the country roads and cotton fields of his childhood. Burl was wise of thought, deed, and counsel well beyond his years of formal education. After his school days ended as most did then to work on the family farm, Burl joined the Army where he served for three years in Germany. After the Army and a stint of truck driving, Burl decided to go to barber school. While he loved the open road and would later enjoy riding his horses and motorcycles for hours, he wanted a family and knew that the road was no place for the Dad he wanted to be. In 1954, Burl began work at Sain’s Barber Shop when a pretty bank worker making a daily deposit caught his eye. Burl and Thelma married in November 1955, and celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this past year. They were deeply and truly devoted to each other from the very beginning to Burl’s last days.
Burl’s first dates with Thelma included an Oak Hill basketball game and going to Burkemont Baptist church where Dr. Reverend Johnny Tiller served as Pastor. Pastor Tiller led Burl to salvation and a life dedicated to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These three pillars- his work, faith and family- were the rocks upon which he built his life. Burl worked as a barber in Burke and Lincoln County for over 60 years in downtown Morganton and “in the country” at a shop beside his childhood home where his Mom fixed him dinner served at noon and supper in the evening hour. His lay ministry began in 1973 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He would go on to serve for decades as an interim pastor in over 19 churches. It was his honor, divine calling, and privilege to serve these dear congregations and lead souls to Christ. Burl reared five kids with an eye to give us the tools – a work ethic and education- to make our dreams come true for whatever horizon that may be and to have a dollar in our pocket come what may. Burl was fiercely strong of character, purpose and will in all corners of his life. Whether it was haltering a 700lb steer that had never been roped before, leading an unruly horse into a trailer, loading a biting hog, horse-trading over a fence, or dealing with an ornery child, there was never a doubt who was going to win the battle. His legendary tenacity was matched by his sense of fun and mischief. Whether it was working in the garden, cutting wood, going to the county fair, riding motorcycles and horses, horseplaying with water fights, playing checkers, riding the waves at the beach, or eating ice cream and candy, Dad made everything fun and you wanted to be wherever he was…something was bound to happen and you didn’t want to miss it.
In his later years of decline, as we bent down to hug him and he labored to stand for a goodbye hug over our objection, he would often say “No, I am going to stand up and do it right.” And stand up he did- whether it was in the pulpit as your minister, behind his chair, as a barber giving a cut or counsel, or as head of a Christ-centered household, he stood up and did it right with honor, humor and heart dedicated to his faith and family. He will be dearly and deeply missed by many but cherished, remembered, and honored for all our days.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Burl’s caregivers at College Pines, to Patsy Huffman for her tender loving care in his final years of decline until the day of his passing, and to Douglas St. John for his steadfast aid in all manner of tasks.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Burkemont Baptist Church.
The visitation will be held on March 1, 2025 from 12-2pm and funeral service at 2 pm, both at Burkemont Baptist Church. A mass choir will gather to sing Amazing Grace at the funeral. Members from former churches Burl has served are invited to participate. Please arrive fifteen minutes prior to service.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Jacob Burl Sain.
Will miss my dear friend loved Burl’s sense of humor Hope someone in Burl’s family writes a book about him l could give you a few pages Burl did not die he just changed addresses if we are ready when l time comes we will know where to fine him prayers and hugs for all the family love you Eddy and Brenda Huffman
Burl sain cut my hair when I was visiting my family during the summer when we were living in Ohio and then after that but then Tommy then cut my hair as well Jonathan Kirk
Burl was a man of God and he lived each day as we should. My whole family knew Burl our whole lives. My father passed in 98 and he and Burl were good friends along with my mother whom passed in 2021. One could write a book on Burl and still not say enough. He definitely has had a impact and important role in my life whether it be advise, prayer, one of us helping each other or just talking to each other. It has been a blessing and a honor knowing him. From my family to the Sain family our hearts and prayers are with you and God Bless.
To all of the Sain family, we know your hearts are heavy given the passing over of your husband, father grandfather, and great grandfather. Mark and Nancy and I talked about the sad news that Tommy had shared with us. Each one of us recalled times that we had in the barbershop. It was an every two week trip that dad along with Mark and I would go to the barbershop. Dad would wait for Burl and make us go to the next available barber. We loved it when there was few people in the barbershop and we could get Burl to cut our hair. We knew it was going to be done right. What we looked forward to most was getting a penny to put in the gum machine. Then we got the laughing about the shoe shine man who could make the rag pop in rhythm. That’s when Nancy said she had her shoes shined at one time. To all of the Sain Family we know your sorrow is mixed with rejoicing because there will be a reunion at a future point in time. May God‘s Holy Spirit comfort you in the days ahead.
I have a picture on the fridg at the office of my late husband Jack Huffman sitting with all four of his (our) grandsons waiting their turn in Burl's (or Tommy's) chair. That was at least 20 years ago. Those boys, Tyler, Ethan, Austin, Mason all grown men, now, still remember how special it was going for haircuts with Grandpa to see Burl. I am glad they had that chance. Thelma, Tommy, sisters......and all Burl's precious family, my love and sympathy, Guinn Huffman (Walker's Chapel)
Tommy and family, I just learned today of Burl's passing. Burl was a great man who definitely stood strong for many years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
One of Gods greatest blessings to our community. He was a true leader and child of God. You knew how much he loved the Lord and his family. Thank You Lord for sending this man to show what a true man of God should be. This the family thank you for sharing him with our community and surrounding communities.
With much love to a wonderful spiritual man who raised a wonderful family.
Everyone loved Burl .. he was a Salem hero for lots of people .. from riding that lawn mower and always Welcome come on in smile . What a great meeting he’s having .. I bet Jesus smiled right back as he walked through those Pearly Gates ! Love and prayers for Thelma and family . Not Good Bye.. just see you later he will be sitting by the River praising the Lord ! Diane Steve Rhodes .. Big Hugs
Burke County lost one of the best, Burl Sain. I've known Burl for over 60 years and he cut my hair for 55 years. I've spent many hours in his basement talking to him when he cut my hair at his house. I've done a lot of work over the years for him and I've never known a more honest person. He will be sorely missed by many people. PS He has a wonderful wife. she always gave me a cookie or cake when I was over at their home and I appreciate it very much.