James “Paul” Burns

James “Paul” Burns, 86, of Charlotte, NC, went to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

Born on September 16, 1936 in Burke County, NC, he was the fifth of six children of the late Jacob Shuford Burns and Sadie Deal Burns.

Paul graduated from Drexel High School in Drexel, NC, where he met his loving wife, Linda Berry.  He joined the NC National Guard and later the US Army.  He was stationed at Fort Knox, KY.  Paul and Linda married just before he was stationed in Germany on April 5, 1956.  Upon his return, they moved to Charlotte, NC where he attended Kings Business College.

Paul was employed by Canada Dry in the evenings and Johnson Motor Lines on the weekends.  Upon graduating from Kings, he began his career as a purchasing agent for the City of Charlotte, from which he retired.  Paul then worked at Christian Resource Ministries publishing company, from which he permanently retired.

Paul enjoyed traveling.  He visited 49 states with Christian Tours, and he loved the mountains and spending time in Daytona Beach, FL.

Paul attended Eastern Hill Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir, served as a deacon, and delivered tapes to shut-ins.

Paul is survived by his wife, Linda Berry Burns; children, Bryan D. Burns (Lisa) and Connie Burns Brown; grandchildren, Jason D. Burns (Alexa) and Justin P. Brown; great-grandchildren, Aubrey E. Burns and Beckett D. Burns; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Afton Burns Griffin, Jack E. Burns, Bill S. Burns, Janet Burns Clevenger, and Joan Burns Treadway; and son-in-law, Fred Brown.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 11, 2022 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home.  The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. James Weddington officiating.  Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors provided by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org), Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or to Eastern Hills Baptist Church, 4855 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28205.

The family would like to express their appreciation to caregivers: Kenya A. Smith and Irene D’Silva, and favorite physical therapist, Tamara Bullaro.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.