Charles William Burton, Sr.

Charles William Burton, age 94, departed this life on April 8, 2023.  He was born in High Point, NC, on July 14, 1928, to the late Robert Hill Burton and Mary Lewis Burton.  He is predeceased by all the members of his immediate family, including his siblings Robert Hill Burton, Jr. and Betty Jo Tate.

Who he became was based mainly on his upbringing, the Great Depression, the Korean War, and his long and happy marriage.  He was a veteran of the US Army.  He proudly served in Korea in the 21st Anti-aircraft Artillery Battalion attached to the 25th Infantry Division “Tropic Lightning,” driving an M9 half-track.  This anti-aircraft vehicle served in a ground support capacity and was essential to the war effort.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.  On April 10, 1959, he was married to Jean Price Burton, who survives him.  In just 2 days, they would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In addition, he is survived by his children, Charles Jr., Lisa Jean Troutman (David) and Jeffrey Allen (Kristi); three grandchildren: Connor Griffin, Bryce Griffin, and Natalie Burton, and one great-grandchild, Skylar Griffin.

He retired from Olympic Products in Greensboro, where he loved working.  He was a hard worker all his life, was good to his parents and grandparents, and was a good husband, father, and grandfather.  He was especially focused on taking the best care possible of his wife, Jean.  He always thought he was the luckiest man in the world to have been married to her, and he proudly supported her long and successful career at North State Telephone Company.  Each of their three children graduated from college, thanks to their parents’ love, work, and encouragement.

He loved the simple pleasures of life:  a good dog (that he never made mind), warm weather (but not if it was raining), trips to Virginia, fishing, old tractors, gardening, keeping the exterior of his house and yard well taken care of, cars in general (but not ones with electric motors), keeping his car immaculately clean and well-serviced, and the importance of a good coat and cap during cold weather.  He was an excellent driver from an early age.  He bought the first tractor used on his grandfather’s farm, a Case VA-I; taught his family how to drive, and maintained his driver’s license until the age of 92.  He was Dale Earnhardt’s biggest fan and always loved NASCAR (notably when Fords or Chevrolets won).  He loved High Point, and thought it was the best place in the world to live and raise a family.

He had an excellent memory and a sharp mind almost to the end and was a wonderful storyteller.  By recounting stories of his childhood, his children and grandchildren learned about their grandparents and great-grandparents they had never met but grew to know.  He supported his children’s activities, including Scout meetings, dance lessons, and baseball games.  He was like a father to his grandchildren, Connor and Bryce.  He cared about his wife and family and always wanted the best for them.

He lived a long, happy, and healthy life, and other than a pacemaker implant in 2017, he never had any surgeries.  His excellent health continued until October 31, 2020, when he suffered a bad fall from which he never fully recovered.  After that point, he lost his ability to do things outdoors that made life meaningful to him and from which he derived self-worth.  He was always hopeful that he could walk unaided again and regain his independence, but it was not to be.  During this period, his beloved wife was his full-time caregiver, allowing him to stay in his own home, which he loved, until the last possible day, December 8, 2022.  Maintaining his independence for this long would have been impossible without the help of David Perdue and Johnny and June Price and family, who helped our mom and dad whenever needed, often on very short notice.  Our family will always be deeply grateful to each of you.  At the end of his life, Holly Smith and Hospice of the Piedmont staff were caring and compassionate helpers to us all.  Ultimately, he never gave up on life; life gave up on him.

We are grateful for his example and his legacy—that love is what’s important; that you should work hard every day and do the best you can with what you have, that you should take good care of your car, tools, and your lawnmower, and that the simple pleasures of life are the best ones.  We are relieved he is out of pain.  Trusting that in Heaven, he will both be reunited with his loved ones—and hopefully his favorite dogs, Bandit and Lucky, both of whom he can “take up the street” in Heaven for their evening walk, just like he used to do, without using a cane, a walker, or ever being in pain again.

The interment will be private, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.