John Edward Burns

John Edward Burns, passed peacefully at St. Francis Hospital on August 9, 2026. He was 87 years old. Born on January 9, 1939, in Wichita, Kansas, John spent his formative years in various small towns in central Kansas. He was raised in a home filled with people, good humor, and a love for music. The love of music, the importance of community, and a knack for seeing the humorous side of life characterized John his entire life. Early on, John displayed a talent for drawing, especially caricatures. He continued drawing throughout his life. John proudly served in the United States Air Force and graduated from McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. In 1967 he married Claudia Potter of Winfield, Kansas. John and Claudia were married 59 years and were a model of lifetime partnership in service to others. John was retired from Furman University, where he enjoyed serving as the Associate Athletic Director. Prior to that position, he was the Director of Financial Aid at Furman and earlier worked at the College of Charleston and at the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. A devoted Presbyterian who took pride in his Scottish heritage, John was saved by grace through faith in Christ. He served faithfully at Trinity Presbyterian Church for many decades as the long-time leader of the Men’s Breakfast, a ruling Elder, a Sunday School teacher, and a member of several key committees. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, John greatly enjoyed being a member of the Trinity Church Choir. John sang in the choir until the age of 86 and faithfully continued to encourage choir members via text messaging when he was no longer able to sing or attend service, even into his last week of his life. John had a knack for storytelling and conversation. A regular breakfast customer at Stax Diner, a devoted long-time member of the Purple and White Golf League, a passionate Furman Paladin athletics fan, and a well-known neighbor, John formed friendships wherever he went. His absence will be felt in these spaces and many others. John’s most treasured relationships were with his family. John was the father to Cassie Burns Therrell (Bill) of Taylors, South Carolina, and Mike Burns (Jenny) of Winder, Georgia. He was the grandfather to Robert Therrell, Callie Therrell Hoopes (Rainey), Caroline Therrell Antwine (Josh), Charlotte Therrell Burdette (John), Duncan John Therrell, Andileya Burns, and Arabelle Burns. John enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and especially delighted in their wide variety of creative talents. John claimed his son-in law, Bill Therrell, and his three grandsons-in-law, Rainey Hoopes, Josh Antwine, and John Burdette, as his own grandsons regularly enjoying sports, food, and home projects with them. John was blessed with five great grand-children, Duncan “Trey” Hoopes, John “Jack” Hoopes, Titus Antwine, Robert Burns Hoopes, and Eliana Antwine. He counted the opportunity to hold each of them and get a glimpse into the next generation a tremendous privilege. John is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Virgil Burns, and his three siblings Patricia Buckless, Howard Burns, and Nancy Jaehde. The family wishes to thank the numerous neighbors, church and community members, and friends who have assisted and encouraged them in recent weeks. A Celebration of Life Service for John will be held Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Travelers Rest, SC. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall. The family will have a private inurnment ceremony in the Trinity Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Music Department of Trinity Presbyterian Church, 405 Trailblazer Dr., Travelers Rest, SC. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is assisting the family with arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

John Edward Burns

January 9, 1939 - August 9, 2026