Gilbert Ray Burton, 98, of Columbia, died Friday, June 21, 2024 at TJ Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow.
He was born September 15, 1925 in Adair County to the late Lucian Belle Redmon Burton.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sophia Burton, on June 1, 2011; a daughter, Dorothy Marie Gaskin; his sons-in-law, Dan Gaskin and Frank Goben; and his siblings, Leonard, Ernest, Kyle, Jake, Finis and Forrest Burton, Ruthie Knight and Alta Cook.
Mr. Burton was the oldest and longest member, along with his wife, Sophia, of Purdy Separate Baptist Church, a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and a retired dairy farmer.
Survivors include seven children, Diane Grow of Florida, Charlotte Goben, Billy Burton (Pam), Bobby Burton (Sharon), Johnny Burton (Patricia), Ronnie Burton and Keith Burton (Tammy) all of Columbia; 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; several other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 at 2 p.m. at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with Bro. Jamie Bryant officiating and burial in Bearwallow Cemetery with full military honors being presented by VFW Post 6097. Visitation will be held after 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Casket bearers will be Rob Wilkerson, Chad Burton, Chris Burton, Conner Burton, Brayden Burton and Chris Sharpe.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
