Richard David Burleson

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 8, 2021, Richard David Burleson passed away at the North Carolina State Veterans Home. A native of Avery County, Richard was born on April 25, 1937 to the late John and Texie Queen Burleson.

Richard was a member of Turkey Cove Baptist Church and was a proud United States Air Force veteran who served twenty-one years. He was an Air Force mechanic that specialized in electrical and environmental systems. Following retirement from the Air Force, he retired from Baxter Healthcare Corporation. As further service to his community, he served as a volunteer fireman for the Ashford-North Cove Fire Department. Richard was a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was also known to be a history buff and enjoyed his gardening.

Richard is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Velma Williams Burleson; three children, Gloria Hollifield (Jim), Glenda Montgomery (Tom) and Richard Burleson, Jr. (Tracy); one sister, Hortense Biddix and one brother, Bill Burleson (Linda). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Courtney Hollifield-Parelli (James) and Cameron Burleson; one great-grandson, Parker Parelli.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service with Reverend David Edwards officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private interment with military honors will follow at Turkey Cove Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family ask that visitors please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Richard’s memory are asked to consider, The North Carolina Veterans Home, 62 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711.