Abingdon, Virginia
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
II Thessalonians 3:16
Clarence Marshall Burke, 89 years old, returned to his heavenly home on Jan. 25 following an accident at home. His devotion to his family and firm devotion to the Lord guided him throughout his life and while we mourn the loss of such an outstanding Christian man, we celebrate his achievement of his heavenly rewards.
Clarence was born to the late Clint and Ethel Burke in 1934 in Russell Co. VA. His grandfather was the Reverend Robert Bruce Burke.
Including his parents, he is preceded in death by one son, Richard Burke; and three sisters, Jeanette Cook, Peggy Price, and Elsie “Bren” Gray Burke.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sarah R. Burke and son, Gary Burke as well as his daughter in law Allyson and his grandsons, Garrett and Coleton. He also leaves behind his brother, George Burke of Lebanon and Maude Booher of Bristol, VA.
Clarence was a devout Christian and member of the Trigg Street Church of God for over 40 years and the Brumley Gap Methodist Church later in life. His contributions to dozens of other Churches and Christian organizations throughout his life also showed his genuine character in wanting to further the Great Commission and spread the news of salvation in Jesus Christ alone! He was an outstanding Capella Christian singer that from anyone that knew Clarence as the soft-spoken man that he was, were shocked when they found out that his faith and beliefs shined when he could get in the pulpit alone and sing songs to the Lord and demonstrate his love for Christ.
His early life as the oldest of six children was one centered around family, faith, and hard work. Born into a sharecropper family, his life was one constantly on the move and early days and late nights working the fields was second nature. Later, he and his family had their own farm centered around Burley Tobacco besides always maintaining a full-time job, which for 35 years was working for Ford Motor Company throughout SW VA. Clarence was also a tremendous "green thumb" in that anything he planted, grew and prospered.
Clarences life and dedication to his family is the living legacy that he leaves for all to see as an example to strive towards in this life. Humble and forsaking what other chase in this life, he showed to others that we all need to keep our eyes and hearts focused on how we can serve the Lord and focus on the next life, not this one.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at Frost Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Frank Scott officiating. Committal service will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens Pavilion.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Burke family.