Obituary of Franklin Burns

Kernersville-Franklin Anthony Burns, 60, died Friday, November 2, 2012 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salisbury, NC following a long battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held 11:00AM Wednesday, November 14, 2012 at the Pierce-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel. Inurnment will be 1:00PM at the National Cemetery in Salisbury. Born on February 1, 1952 in Saratoga Springs, NY, he was the son of the late Linnie Winslow and Anthony Leone. Frank retired from the United States Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 20 years of service. Some of his favorite memories were from his time spent overseas in Germany. After retirement, he lived in Los Angeles, California before moving to North Carolina in 2005 to be closer to his family. Frank was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. When he was a child, he won the "Punt, Pass and Kick" competition in Saratoga Springs, NY. Vince Lombardi, famed coach of the Packers, was in attendance during the competition and he has been a Green Bay fan ever since. He also enjoyed skiing in the Alps, cooking, gardening, reading, staying in touch with friends and family on Facebook, and playing Fantasy Football. During his time in Hospice, he was an encouragement and inspiration to the residents and staff members. He encouraged the residents to get out and socialize. He enjoyed cooking for them, giving out Tootsie Pops, and sharing his popcorn and coffee. In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by sister Margaret Burns and brother Daniel Stokes. Survivors include his daughter Melissa Ramirez, her husband Luke, and 2 grandsons, Cameron and Dmitri of New Mexico; sisters, Kathleen Chase and her husband Larry of Walnut Cove, NC and JoAnn Berrett and her husband Brent of Oklahoma City, OK; brother, Michael Leone of Saratoga, NY; niece, Tracy Green, and her husband Michael of Winston-Salem and nephews, Jerod LaValley and his wife Kat, of Pageland, SC; Larry Chase, Jr. of Florida; Aunts Flossy Ireland and Joyce Wilm of South Glens Falls, NY, and Vi Winslow of Pocatello, Idaho; and Uncle Richard "Dickie" Winslow and his wife Natalie of Gansevoort, NY. The family would like to say a special "Thank You" to the staff at the Salisbury Hospice Unit for all your care and love you gave Frank. He truly thought it to be a blessing to be there. Also, to Susan Bennett, who was with Frank during his battle against cancer, he loved and cared for you all dearly. In My Life: There are places I'll remember All my life though some have changed Some forever not for better Some have gone and some remain All these places have their moments With lovers and friends I still can recall Some are dead and some are living in my life I've loved them all...and that my friend is from my heart....FRANKLIN. Friends and family may sign, and view the guestbook at www.Pierce-JeffersonFuneralService.com Service Information