Pastor Ralph O. Burns
January 5, 2011

                        







Life Legacy



BURNS, RALPH O., 90 of Sebring, FL died Wednesday, January 5, 2011. Pastor Burns was born in Las Animas, CO, son of the late Harrison Arvin and Elsie Bell (Orth) Burns.
Pastor Burns entered the ministry in 1942, after graduation from college. He pastured churches in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. While pastoring he served the state councils of the last three states fellowships. Positions of leadership included treasurer, secretary and chairman. Pastor Burns has been associated with the Fellowship of Baptists for Home Missions since 1963 and served on the council and executive committee of the mission, which is an approved agency of the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. He has authored two small books, one regarding his tours of the Holy Land , and the second, Basic Bible Truths for New Converts. A faithful member of Southside Baptist Church and former assistant pastor also serving as visitation pastor. Ralph was associated with Publix in Southgate Shopping Center for several years and enjoyed assisting people with their groceries. Ralph leaves behind, his devoted wife, Dorothy and daughters, Sharon Ross, Sarasota, FL and Cherith Simmer, Pittsburgh, PA; son, Dennis Burns, Detroit, MI; nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Visitation 3-5 pm, Friday at Morris Funeral Chapel and 1-2 pm, Saturday at Southside Baptist Church with services to follow at 2:00 pm. Private family burial at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Memorials are requested to Southside Baptist Church, or Maranatha Manor or Hope Hospice, envelopes will be available.

Condolences or Life Stories may be expressed in his Guestbook. Morris Funeral Chapel, Sebring, Fl.

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Visitation and Services

Visitation 3-5 pm, Friday
at Morris Funeral Chapel
Visitation 1-2 pm, Saturday
at Southside Baptist Church
Memorial Services 2 pm
at Southside Baptist Church
Private family burial
at Lakeview Memorial Gardens

Survived By

Dorothy Burns, Wife
Sharon Ross, Daughter
Cherith Simmer, Daughter
Dennis Burns, Son
nine grandchildren
four great grandchildren

             Preceded In Death By

Harrison Arvin Burns, Father
Elsie Bell (Orth) Burns, Mother

Facts

Place of Birth: Las Animas, CO.
Place of Death: Sebring, FL
Date Of Death: January 5, 2010
Organization: Southside Baptist Church

Guestbook

01/06/2011 - Brendasue (Burns) Warford
Our love & prayers are with the family.
Bob & Susie

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01/06/2011 - Gary & Kathy Brewer
Dorothy, Kathy and I would like to send our condolences to you and your family. We remember fondly our 4 years at Southside Baptist Church and a wonderful friendship with Ralph. We rejoice with his homegoing but know he will be missed by all he ministered too.

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01/06/2011 - Andrew and Diane Large
We want to express our sympathy to the family and let you know we are praying for you all. We have used and continue to use the "Basic Bible Truths" written by Pastor Burns as our discipleship course for the new converts preparing for baptism in Nicaragua. God certainly has used and will continue to use Pastor Burns life and ministry.

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01/06/2011 - Martha J. Barrett
I only found out today that Ralph passed away. Yes, I do remember him when I was visiting at Southside. He will be missed.

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01/06/2011 - Martha J. Barrett
Yes, Ralph wrote a very fine discipleship book. He gave me several to use in Zambia and we found them to be very practical. I'm sure he is rejoicing with his heavenly father right now...forgetting all the woes, pains, sorrows and disappointments of this life. What a hope we have to look forward to! My condolences to Mrs. Burns.

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01/06/2011 - Phyllis Dowell
Dad,
You have gone to your reward. We will all miss you terribly but finally you get to meet the Lord you have served so faithfully all these years. You were the best father-in-law anyone could have. I have not met many people in my life who have the integrity, honor and consistency in their lives like you did. I always loved you and considered it a great privilege to be your daughter-in-law. You also were a wonderful grandpa to my three children. I will always be grateful to have known and loved you.
Love, Phyllis

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01/06/2011 - Chuck Bagby
Ralph was one of my very best friends but i know where he is tonight PRAISE THE LORD GOD WILL KEEP HIS ARMS AROUND DORTHY I AM SURE

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01/06/2011 - Kristina Schlieter
I only met him on a few occassions. Very kind and generous man. It was not that long ago that i escorted him and Dorthy on the NY subway to the JFK airport from Manhatten after grandson (and my nephew's) granduation from college. Hair raising trip because we almost left Dorthy on the subway because she came out behind Ralph and I a little slow and the doors were shutting. We got her out in the nick of time. I might not have ever found her again. funny stoires to remember. My sincere condolences to the family. Kristina Schlieter (phyllis' sister)

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01/06/2011 - Linda Whitaker Swenson
I remember Pastor Burns and you,Dorothy from Springlake Baptist Church in the late 1980's.I did see Pastor Burns a few times at Publix and enjoyed talking with him. He left big footprints in the lives of those that knew him. I am so sorry for your loss but know the Angels are rejoicing in Heaven with his arrival. I am so glad I knew you two even briefly in this leg of the journey.

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01/07/2011 - Nancy VanBree and Lillian Kuhl
With loving thoughts at this very difficult time. May you feel comfort and warmth from those around you. With Deep Sympathy.

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01/07/2010 - Carlton Miller
Condolences

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01/07/2011 - Dan & LuAnn Chittock
Pastor Burns was the perfect mentor for an immature 22 year old Youth Pastor. He was disciplined, gracious, steady, and godly. He was a wonderful pastor to LuAnn and me. LuAnn and I look back fondly upon our days in Westlake - Ralph Burns and his dear wife are a big reason why. Our deepest condolences to Mrs. Burns, Sharon, Cherith, and Dennis. Psalm 119: 49, 50

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01/07/2011 - Lori Hamilton and Robert Quagliana
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.

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01/08/2011 - Barb (burns) Googe
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you today.

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01/12/2011 - Nancy Knopf
My sincerest sympathy to all the family. First Baptist in Butler, Pennsylvania, took on the last of my missionary support back in 1967 when I was an appointee under BMM. I still remember Pastor Burn's phone call to ask me how my support was coming. Dorothy, both of you were such a blessing to me and my family. I am grateful. By God's grace, Nancy Knopf Nahum 1:7

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