Leonard Edward “Lynn” Burns

Mr. Leonard Edward “Lynn” Burns, 72, died Friday, July 5, 2024, at his home in Oxford, MS. The funeral will be Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 5:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Bro. Alan Drewery and Will Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 3:30 P.M. Burial will follow the service in Forrest Memorial Cemetery in Batesville, MS.

Lynn was born on March 27, 1952, in Batesville, MS, to the late Ruby Lee Wilson and Edward Lynch Burns. As a graduate of South Panola High School, he lettered in baseball and football, proudly helping the Tigers clench many victories including the conference championship following an undefeated season during his senior year. He continued his education at Northwest Community College, before taking a job with Jones Truckline before moving to Oxford, where he enrolled at The University of Mississippi. Ole Miss provided for him the classic college experience, and in between classes and work, Lynn made a lifetime of memories. Lynn began working jobs through UPS and Baptist Memorial Hospital until he started working for himself, primarily painting and small contract jobs. His work ethic and integrity led the charge as he built his trusted reputation within the community. You could’ve easily mistaken Lynn for a politician, with a winning smile always fixed on his face and an ability to connect with just about anyone. He was known for his generosity, giving freely to others to a fault. It wasn’t that Lynn was naïve, he simply believed there was good in all people, and wanted to help those who were down on their luck. In his leisure, he enjoyed gardening with his wife, Vickie. He was a member of Pine Bluff Church of Christ. Days spent in the woods hunting or on the lake fishing were his favorite. He felt fortunate to live in God’s country, holding a great respect and reverence for the outdoors.

When his children were young, Lynn made the difficult decision to raise them as a single dad. He carefully surrounded himself with a village of trusted relatives and friends who helped him navigate the world of single parenthood. Lynn sacrificed everything for his children, working tirelessly to provide a good and comfortable life for them. He cared little about his own needs and wants, worrying only that the kids were happy. Once becoming a grandfather, Lynn was finally able to enjoy a more relaxed fatherly role. He was always sure to have candy and treats to spoil the grandkids with, and watched with pride as his children raised the next generation with the same love and care that he had. In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Hatfield.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Vickie Burns of Oxford, MS; daughter, Misty Parmer and her husband, Jake of Oxford, MS; son, Aaron Burns and his wife, Erica, of Oxford, MS; step-daughter, Catherine Curry and her husband, Roland, of Texas; step-son, James John “Jimmy” Jehle of Florida; sisters, Jo Marquis Jaco (Rubin), Betty Drewery (Chester), and Mary Deaton (Mike), all of Oxford, MS; brothers, Terry Burns of Water Valley, MS and Cecil Burns of Oxford, MS; as well as 13 grandchildren, Jesse, Justin, Carson, Josie, Anna, Leah, April, Christian, Logan, Yasmine, Josey, Annalay, and Damien.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Lynn’s memory may be made to Memory Makers Respite Day Services of Oxford, 1558 Skyline Drive, Oxford, Mississippi 38655 or online at https://memorymakersoxford.wordpress.com/get-involved/.