James Dixon Burson

Reidsville – James Dixon Burson, Jr., 52, of 632 Parkway Blvd, died Saturday, November 1, 2008 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM, Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Bill Duke and Rev. Dave Huggins officiating. The inurnment will follow in the columbarium at St. Thomas Episcopal Church with military graveside rites. Mr. Burson was born in Thomasville, GA. After graduating from Reidsville High School, Dixon worked with the Reidsville Fire Department and then served in the US Navy. He also served on the White House Honor Guard for over two years. He then attended Auburn University and taught for eight years in Alabama, including both traditional classes and the alternative school. Dixon was an accomplished musician playing the guitar, banjo and mandolin and loved true blue grass music. He was a language arts teacher for Rockingham County Middle School. He loved his springer spaniels, was an avid reader and served as the advisor to the Battle of the Books team for RCMS. He was preceded in death by his father, James Dixon Burson. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Ingram Burson of the home; sister, Diane Burson Turner and fiancé, Ron Bridges of Reidsville; nieces, Mary Elise McNaught and husband, David and their daughter, Daelan; Merrill Ann Turner; nephew, James Seth Turner; many friends and former students. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the residence. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the James Dixon Burson, Jr. Memorial Fund at Rockingham County Middle School, PO Box 182 Wentworth, NC 27375. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com