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John Garland Burge

March 28, 1950 to March 2, 2021

A Man of Impossible Character

John Burge, 70, passed away surrounded by family on March 2, 2021.

Mr. Burge was preceded in death by his loving wife, Brenda Burge; his parents, Garland and Annie Burge; and his brother, Frank Burge.

He is survived by his loving son and daughter-in-law, John and Andria Burge; grandchildren, Mary, Madison, John (who was named after his grandfather), and Olivia Burge; siblings, Willie Burge of Alabama, Clyde and Lynda Burge of Washington, Ann and Willie Harris of Louisiana, Lydia and Zac Alvarado of Alabama, and Sonny and Lisa Burge of Mississippi; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special nephew, Johnny Burge; special nieces, Krissy, Dana and Deanna Burge; in-laws, August Gabriel, Holly Gabriel, Eddie Gabriel, Big Eddie Gabriel, Dotty Gabriel, Hudson Encardes, Tiffany Scott, and Karla Nanne; and a special thanks to a dear friend, Ashley Martin.

Mr. Burge was a veteran of the U.S. Army for the dates of Nov. 23, 1968, to April 27, 1971. He was a helicopter mechanic, serving in the Vietnam War. The Army taught him the value of discipline, teamwork, and investing in a cause larger than himself. John left the Army with the rank of Private First Class. Upon returning home, he began a career as a chef.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home will host John’s service on Saturday, March 6, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the Rev. Chad Jenkins officiating and military graveside service by the American Legion Post #24. Interment will follow at McGehee Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Burge, Anthony Favre, Nicholas Burge, Seth Young, August Gabriel and T-Paul Nicholson.