Deacon Clinton Chester Burns, Sr.

Deacon Clinton Chester Burns, Sr A Friend to Everyone
Clinton Chester Burns, known affectionately as “Slim” and “Son”, a beloved father, grandfather, and World War II veteran passed away peacefully on March 18, at the age of 103. He was known as an honorable man with an unwavering work ethic, passion for singing and dedication to his family and friends. He was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He never met a stranger and had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. He leaves a legacy of warmth, devotion to his church, love of community and family. Born January 2,1922 in Felicia, Fl, near Hernando, to Lennon and Ida Elbert Burns. He moved with his family in 1926 to South Dunnellon. He received an eighth grade education in a little church in South Dunnellon. Clinton, proudly served his country from 1942 through 1945. He was drafted into the Army at the age of 19, during the early stages of US  involvement in World War II. After basic training, he was stationed in South Hampton England, before landing on the beaches of Normandy, onboard a LST 542 class tank ship. He served with the 3rd Army, 364th Engineer Combat Regiment, under the command of General George S. Patton, as a truck driver in the famed Red Ball Express. The Red Ball Express, a supply truck convoy of mostly African-American drivers, was instrumental in the allies drive through France. After D-Day he served in Belgium and Germany. At close of the war, he deployed back to the United States on July 4, 1945 and was honorably discharged from the Army as Technician 5th grade. He received five campaign medals for his service to include the Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, Cherbourg and Aschen.Clinton’s work ethic was unyielding, tackling some of the hardest work. He was a jack of all trades, working on cars, lawn mowers, electrical work and assisting with building two homes.
After his Army duty, he hauled pulp wood, worked in the phosphate mine industry and worked for 15 years with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad. He retired from Florida Power, after 16 years,
where he helped to build the nuclear power plant from the ground up. He then started a lawn service which he owned and worked in until the age of 101. Clinton loved his country, community and church. He served as an Honorary Police Officer with the Dunnellon Police Department for almost 15 years until his death. He had a deep rooted faith in God and unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He served as a Deacon and member of Mt.Olive Missionary Baptist Church until his death. He also served as a Deacon for many years at the Second Bethel Baptist Church in Dunnellon. As a passionate gospel singer, he organized and sang with the Dunnellon Men Chorus for many years. He was known around the area for his singing talent and love for Gospel music.
Clinton was married to Idella Coston 63 years until her death in 2013. He leaves to cherish his memories a sister, Arzula Hannibal and all 8 of his children—Lois Delifus (Bob Washington),
Christine Burns, twins Linton and Clinton Burns, Reginald Burns, Althea Myers (Roger), Daryl Burns and Mavis Burns. Twenty-six grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends are also left to mourn him. 

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20 v12

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