Herbert Burney

Herbert James Burney entered this life on December 6, 1926, in Mandarin, Florida, one of seven children born to Richard and Julia Forester Burney. Herbert was baptized into the Roman Catholic faith at an early age and worshiped with his family in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mandarin. He attended the local public schools, graduating with the Class of 1945 from Stanton High School. Upon graduation, Herbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Barber’s Point, Osho, Hawaii, and served in the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Carrier Air Craft Service Unit Two, during World War II. In Great Lakes, IL, he was trained as an aircraft welder in the Aviation Metalsmith School, and was awarded a Certificate of Completion. This would launch his career in the civilian world. After his honorable discharge from active duty, Herbert worked at the Naval Air Rework Facility, NAS Jacksonville, until retirement. He was active in the US Navy Reserves, and retired as a 1st Class Petty Officer, E6, Aviation Structural Mechanics. Mr. Burney married the love of his life, Miss Emma Lee Crawford, on February 18, 1952, in the St. Pius Rectory, and they celebrated life together as one for over 58 years. This union was blessed with two sons, Terence and Stanley. A faithful and dedicated member of St. Pius, Mr. Burney was active in the Holy Name Society, the Lawn/Landscaping Ministry, the Usher Board, the Food Source Program, the St. Pius Fall Festival and the Sulzbacher Center Ministry. He coached the Jax Journal Little League Baseball Team in the late 1960's and the 1970's, and played with the Regular and Senior League at Gator Bowling Lanes for many years, for which he received many trophies and awards. Other affiliations include the Elks Lodge #8, Jacksonville, FL, the American Legion, Post #0197. He was recognized by the Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance for his unselfish donations of blood through the years that totaled more than 16 gallons. Hobbies included fishing, photography, gardening and structural repairs. This precious servant was dedicated to God, his family and his fellow man. He served as a mentor to many young people through the years. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010, Herbert James Burney was summoned by the Master and was relieved of active duty here on earth. With his assignment completed, he went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burney; son, Terence M. Burney; sister, Mrs. Lucille Burney Latimer; and brothers, Richard and Earl Burney. Left to cherish the legacy of this soldier of the cross are his beloved wife, Mrs. Emma C. Burney; devoted son, Dr. Stanley H. Burney, Lawrenceville, GA; grandchildren, Egypt Smith, Pine Bluff, AK, Anastasia Allen Burney, Jasper, FL, and Terence Jermaine Burney, Jacksonville; sister, Mrs. Hannah Perryman, Mandarin, FL; brothers, Samuel and Wade Burney, Mandarin, Fl; nieces and nephews, to include Earlene Burney Garrison (Johnny), Warner Robins, GA, Terry Brown, Eloyce Burney, Melbourne, FL, Sheila F. Crawford, Palm Coast, FL, and Lenard Latimer, Jacksonville; goddaughters, Councilwoman Glorious Johnson, Cheryl Nelson (Ronald) and Kimberly Fowler, all of Jacksonville; godsister, Tonya Rowe, Milwaukee, WI; godbrother, Billy Demps, Jacksonville; a host of cousins, other relatives, caring neighbors and friends.