On Sunday, June 4, 2023, at 3:00 in the afternoon, Jerry Marvin Burns, Sr. "Papa Burns" stepped into Glory to be with his Lord and Savior after a long battle with cancer.  Jerry was born to George and Essie Mae Burns on November 9, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Jerry served in the United States Army from 1966 – 1971.  He had initial orders to go to Vietnam, but by God's grace, that was changed at the last minute, and he was sent to Germany where he spent most of his time working as a mechanic on jeeps and airplanes. After he was discharged from the service, he met Ruth Anabel Strickland and married her in April of 1972.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved to tinker in his barn.  He was a fireman with the Jacksonville Fire Department for 27 years.  He loved his family and he loved his Savior.

In later years, he loved the kids at church and made sure he always had candy to share with them anytime he was able to go.  If he knew he would not be there, he would do his best to get someone else to take the candy to the kids.

Jerry was known by many names.  He was "Old Buzzard" to his wife, "Road Runner" to his brothers, "Pops" or "Dad" to his sons.  "Papa" or "Grandpaw" to his grandchildren.  "Grandpa" to his great-grandchildren, and "Papa Burns" to his kids and church family. Regardless of how you knew him, you loved him and you loved his sense of humor.  Anyone who knew him knew he loved the Florida Gators and he was a big Ford fan.

Despite all the pain he endured for the last 8 years, he always tried his best to be an encouragement to anyone who came to see him and to witness to nurses, doctors, aids, anyone he encountered.

During his last few days when he knew his time was drawing near, it was his desire to focus his funeral on His Lord and His goodness and not on Jerry because Jerry was not perfect, BUT he loved his Lord and he tried his best to serve him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Essie Mae Burns, and brother, George Burns, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; their 3 sons, Lloyd (Gina), Johnathan (Mistey) and Marvin (Faith Anne); brother, Thomas (Sharon) Burns; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; as well as many cousins, nephews, and nieces.

The tribute above was prepared by Jerry's loving family.

A Memorial Service for Jerry will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Victory Baptist Church with Pastor Jesse Latta officiating. Interment will follow at Jones Cemetery where military honors will be rendered.  Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011. 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family's guest book.