Danny Lee Burns

Danny Lee Burns passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, October 10, 2021. He was born on February 10, 1947 in Fulton, KY and resided in Jacksonville, FL. Danny is survived by his wife, Barbara Burns; his children, Stacey Virata (Brian) and Stephanie Cauble (Kyle); his grandchildren, Bryce Virata, Anastasia Virata, Kelsey Cauble, and Cason Cauble; his sister-in-law, Gayle Lacey (Bung Kim); his niece and nephews, Danielle Morris, Josh McNeill, Mike Lacey, and Jeff Lacey; and two fur-babies, Cooper and Codi. He was preceded in his death by his father Aubra Burns, his mother Louise Burns, and his sister Laura McNeill.

Danny graduated from Fulton County High School, KY & Murray State University with an Industrial Education Degree where he was in the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He moved to Jacksonville Beach, FL to start his teaching career. In his early years, Danny was a Woodshop Teacher at Fletcher Junior High School. There he coached Football and Baseball, and in time became a mentor to many former students and players. Danny’s career next led him to serve as Director of Vocational Education for Duval County Public Schools. It is during these years that Danny completed his Master’s Degree in Vocational and Industrial Education at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL.

After retiring from DCPS, Danny began teaching at Yulee High School in Nassau County. While there, he implemented and led a new Construction Trade Program. Upon leaving Yulee High School, he worked part time at Woodcraft of Jacksonville. Here he enjoyed helping others learn the love of woodworking.

Danny served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of the following: Ribault Masonic Lodge 272-32nd Degree Mason, Scottish Rite, Morocco Temple Shrine-Jacksonville, and Wrecking Crew of the Morocco Temple Shrine-Jacksonville in the 1980’s. Danny also volunteered as an auxiliary Police Officer with the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. He was a member of the Ortega United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 37 in Jacksonville, as well as other professional and individual organizations.

In his spare time he loved traveling, gardening, hunting, and fishing. Danny became an avid marksman, and enjoyed attending Jaguar games and NASCAR races. His greatest joys came from spending time with his grandchildren, creating amazing wood creations in his workshop, riding in the golf cart with his wife, and relaxing with their dogs on the patio or at the koi pond.

A celebration of life will be held at Ortega United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 11am. Interment will be at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ortega United Methodist Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.