Charles Barnett Burch Sr.
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Charles Barnett Burch Sr. was born in Athens on June 19, 1927 and died on June 20, 2021, one day after his 94th birthday.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Inez Meyer and James Martin Burch, as well as his sister and brother, Martha and Joseph Dedrick Burch. A step-daughter, Carol McWhorter Pittard, also predeceased him.
The 43 year marriage of Charles and Elizabeth Moxley was brought to a close with her death in 1994. Their children are Dr. Charles B. Burch Jr. (Kim) of Athens and Becky Myers Smith (Terry) of Marietta. His grandchildren are Catherine B. Benson (Jeff) of Charleston, SC, Caitlin Emma Burch Ligon (Alex) of Ocean Springs, MS, Courtney B. Reichenbach (Dan) of Trent Woods, NC and Chase Myers of Marietta. Great-grandchildren are Kate Reichenbach and Francis Campfield Ligon.
Marguerite Antley McWhorter and Charles were married in 1995. Charles became a beloved step-father to Hamilton McWhorter of Birmingham, Julie McClusky of St. Petersburg, FL, David Volk of East Point. FL, and Dr. Joel Pittard of Auburn, AL. Step-grandchildren are Jeb Pittard (Leanna), Mills and Boyd McWhorter of Birmingham, Caitlin McClusky of Athens and Lauren McClusky of St. Petersburg, FL. Great-grandchildren are Banks and Mallie Pittard.
He is also survived by his niece, Beverly Pierce of Athens and her brothers, Dedrick Burch of Atlanta, Jim Burch (Alesia) of Hartwell, Joe Cobb Burch (Carol) of Royston, and Reeder Burch (Robin) of Jasper, and all of their children.
Charles attended Barrow School, Childs Street School and Athens High School before entering the University of Georgia. He earned a Varsity letter in basketball his freshman year. Prior to finishing his UGA degree in business, he served in the U.S. Navy for a brief period. His ROTC participation while at the university caused him to be activated in the U.S. Army in 1951.
Employment included work at the Georgia Railroad Bank in Augusta, Universal C.I.T., C&S Bank in Athens and Atlanta and the National Bank of Athens (later to become SunTrust Bank).
Through the years he was active with Junior Achievement, Boys' Club, YMCA, Rotary Club, Lions Club, Touchdown Club, Athens Country Club, Mental Health, CASA, Classic Center, Classic City Tennis Association, Recording for the Blind, Lanier Gardens, Athens Regional Medical Center, and of course, PTA. He was a long-time member of the Tuck Sunday School Class and the Athens First United Methodist Church and will be inducted into the Athens Sports Hall of Fame in October.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 26, at 11:00 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Park. A celebration of life will be held following the service at the home of Dr. Charles Burch in Winterville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Athens YMCA or a favorite charity.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.