Gary Ronald Burleson of Salisbury, NC, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on March 4, 2024, at the age of 84. He graduated from Boyden High School in 1957 and East Tennessee State University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Psychology. He had many skills and could be considered a “jack of all trades, master of many.” Among his many feats were: master pizza-maker at Pizza Hut, E. Innes in the ‘80s; master board-certified auctioneer at Kester Auctioneering Service; master salesman at Lowes/all departments; master builder of many elegant homes including his own dream house, becoming a 40-year labor of love; master story-teller; master singer; master historian (especially the Civil War); master reader (he read books numerous times from his massive library collection); master of intelligence; master of biblical knowledge, with a strong belief in God; and master hunter and fisherman.

Unbeknownst to most people, he wrote many poems, songs, and books (all non-published, though one song has been recorded by a Nashville country-music performer). He loved all of his children: Donna Burleson West (Carl), Sonia Stultz Dalton, Dr. Tina Burleson (Nathan Schepker), Tiffany Burleson Vinson (James); grandchildren: Laurel West Miller, Courtney Cress Corriher (James), Alexandria “Ally” Cress, Colby Cress, Niall Schepker, Dylan Schepker; great-grandchildren: River Miller, Madelyn Miller, Aiden Corriher, Ava Corriher. He left behind his devoted wife of 53 years, Annette Wisecarver Burleson, and his younger brother, Clay Burleson (Jackie). Preceding him in death were his parents, Cecil and Virginia Burleson; sister, Patsy Schawitsch; and daughter, Sonia Stultz Dalton.

His children will always remember his entertaining stories and songs, his love of learning and reading, family road trips seeing historical parts of the US, and his loving greeting, “Hey, Honey.” He embraced science projects, plays, dance recitals, ball games, cats, dogs, horses, and people his children loved. He cherished his grandchildren and lived as long as he could to see how their lives would evolve.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is assisting the family, and there will be no public services. The family requests privacy at this precious time of remembrance.