Harold Thurman Burke

Harold Thurman Burke, age 81, of Bear Creek passed away on Friday, May 29, 2020 at his home. Mr. Burke was born November 23, 1938 to George C. and Rosa Stout Burke. Thurman was a gentle, humble, loving Christian husband, father, and grandfather who always put others needs first. He was a member at Sandy Branch Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, assistant Sunday school director, Sunday school teacher, cemetery and grounds committee and more. Thurman proudly served in the United States Army stationed in Berlin, Germany and was a qualified sharpshooter. Once home, he went to work and retired from the Department of Transportation after 28 years of service. In addition to his parents, Thurman is preceded in death by his siblings, Sarah Margaret Dunn, Reberta Phillips, Stout Burke and Raeford Burke. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emma Jean Callicutt Burke of the home; sons, Stephen Douglas Burke and wife Lynda of Bear Creek, Joseph Harold Burke and fiancé Tiffany Roberts of Bear Creek; grandchildren, Shelton Burke, Chance Burke, Emma Burke; adoptive granddaughter, Scarlett Rutter; and several nieces and nephews. Thurman will lie in state at Sandy Branch Baptist Church, 715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek, on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 1:30 - 2:45 PM. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Marc Sanders and Rev. Jay Smoot officiating. Burial will be in the Sandy Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Thurman’s honor to Sandy Branch Baptist Church, 715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks are recommended and seating in the sanctuary will be limited. The service will be broadcasted outside for everyone to hear.