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Submitted: 4/20/14 • Approved: 4/20/14 • Last Updated: 8/15/15 • R56464-G0-S3
October 27, 1906 - November 21, 1984
Gospel preacher. Bio in Gospel Advocate, Oct. 17, 1940, 999. Gospel preacher listed in Preachers of Today, Vol. 1, 1952, 58.
Leon Cleveland Burns was born Oct. 27, 1906, and died Nov. 21, 1984. He is survived by his wife, Martha Louise Harding Burns; two daughters: Martha (Mrs. H. E. McKee), Sarah (Mrs. Jerry Paden), one son, Leon Cleveland Jr., eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary (Mrs. L. E. Blankenship). Leon was baptized by Petty Ezell in 1919, attended David Lipscomb College and Abilene Christian College. He began preaching in 1926 and his more than a half-century of "breaking the Bread of Life" led him to regularly preach in Portland, Tenn.; Florence, Ala.; Columbia, Tenn.; Cleburne, Texas; Gadsen, Ala.; Johnson City, Tenn.; Lakeland, Fla.; New Orleans, La.; and Bristol, Tenn., where he served until he was disabled. He preached in many meetings and on special occasions and lectureships. Leon's statuesque appearance, his eloquent challenging voice, his pleasing personality, his knowledge of the Word and most able presentation of the same enhanced his every lesson. Multitudes felt the "touch of the Master's hand" and were richly affected thereby as from his lips emanated the "Wonderful Story of Love." "His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man!'" A few years ago he spoke to a gathering of Southwest Virginia preachers and so ably and wisely, due to his wide experience and knowledge, informed us of the glory and responsibility of our vocation. His funeral was conducted in the meeting house of the State Street Church in Bristol by Schuman Brewer, Wayne Miller and this writer. Interment was in nearby Glenwood Cemetery. Those who survive "sorrow not as others which have no hope." --- A. Lowell Altizer. Gospel Advocate, January 3, 1985, page 26.
Leon Burns died Nov. 21, 1984. Funeral services were conducted in Bristol, Tenn., by A. L. Atltizer, Schumann Brewer and Wayne Miller. Brother Burns did his last preaching at the State Street church in Bristol. He made a great contribution to the Lord's church for more than half a century. I led the singing and he did the preaching in a gospel meeting at Centerville, Tenn., in 1940. We have been friends since that time. Through the years he conducted meetings at a number of places where we lived and worked. Some years ago I conducted a meeting for the church in Johnson City, Tenn., and lived with brother and sister Burns. It was during that time that I came to know and appreciate them so much. Leon Burns was a "Preacher's Preacher." He had a great knowledge of the Bible, a wonderful command of the English language, and a very easy to listen to voice. He was always interested in civic and political affairs. It was his conviction that Christians should take a part in the governmental process as well as what happens in one's own community. He was an outstanding speaker for special occasions. The great loss suffered by sister Burns and the family is shared by thousands of the their friends throughout the land. --- B. B. James., Rt. 1 Box 165, Bruceton, TN 38317. Gospel Advocate, January 17, 1985, page 50.
Contributed on 4/20/14 by cemphotovolchic
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Record #: 56464