Richard Burney

Graveside Service 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-West.

SFC(R) Richard A. Burney, son to Sandy and Carrie Burney, was born on May 19, 1935 in Racine, Wisconsin. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: James and Donald; sisters: Gertrude, Beverly and Carol and his loving aunt, Jessie Burney Powell, who raised Richard and Carol.

Richard grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, attended the Historic Burt High School and was a member of the Class of 1953. He graduated from Fort Steilacoom College, Tacoma, WA and California State University, Hayward, CA. Richard taught in a special College Program at Laney Community College, Oakland, CA and served as the Program Coordinator of Oakland Youth Works. He worked as a Caseworker at the Department of Social Service, Alameda County, Oakland, CA for 11 years; he also worked as a Program Coordinator with Army Community Service (ACS), Fort Campbell, KY.

He enlisted in the US Army as a combat engineer and served in various locations across the globe during his 22 years of military service. During his long and distinguished career, he received numerous awards and decorations to include: Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal w/2 OLC; Good Conduct Medal (5 ^th Award); National Defense Service Medal w/OLC; VN Cross of Gallantry w/Palms; Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Stars; Driver Badge; RVN Campaign Medal; RVN Civil Action.

SFC(R) Burney was known throughout the community and made a positive impact on every life he touched. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He will truly be missed and his memories cherished forever.

On Monday, November 30, 2020, Richard entered into eternal rest at Tennova Healthcare in Clarksville, TN

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Ruth L. Burney; daughter, Donzaleigh (Troy) Kimbrough; stepdaughter, Scharletta (Howard) Butler, Atlanta, GA; sister, Ernestine Connor, Chicago, IL; brother, Iragene Burney, Minneapolis, WI; a very special niece, Cathy Gamblin, Antioch, CA and a loving nephew and niece, Barry and Glenda Reaves, other relatives and friends.