Rhea Edward Burns Sr.

A visitation for Rhea will be held Monday, February 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. A funeral service will occur Monday, February 5, 2024 at 12:30 PM, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. A graveside service will occur Monday, February 5, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Born January 14, 1931, Rhea Burns was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ada Lillian Yoakum Burns; his parents, Charles Otis Burns and Lona Berry Burns, his brother, John Burns and his grandson Brian Burns. He is survived by his three children, Rhea Eddie Burns (Mayra) of Knoxville; Teresa Burns Davidson (Jeff) of Nashville; and Michael Burns of Knoxville, and 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

An Army veteran of the Korean War, Rhea Burns returned to Knoxville after the war and graduated from the University of Tennessee. He became an accountant for the University and worked his way up to Controller, a position he proudly held for more than 27 years.

Known as a man of God, Rhea was a faithful member of the South Knoxville Baptist Church, serving as a long time Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, and as a Deacon of the church.

Known everywhere as an avid fan of the Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball programs, Rhea’s true love was his wife and his children and grandchildren. His legacy will live on through the many lives he impacted as a Christian man and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

In lieu of flowers, The Burns family requests donations be made, in Rhea Burn’s memory, to Random Acts of Flowers, Knoxville, 2936 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921. Website: rafknoxville.org.