John Edward Burns

John Edward Burns passed away peacefully on March 6, 2022, at the age of 83 after a brief illness with his family by his side. Johnny was born June 25, 1938, at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN to Leo and Anne Burns. He was a loving son and brother as the third of nine children. He was a favored babysitter for his younger siblings. He remained a West Nashvillian for his entire life.

Johnny attended St. Ann Catholic School and moved away from home at age 15 to work for the Pettus Owen and Wood funeral home. He came home daily for meals and time with his family. Johnny graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1956. He went on to attend and graduate from the John A. Gupton School of Mortuary Science. He continued to serve in the funeral business as partial owner of Jarrell’s Memorial Funeral Home until 1961. From there he went on to occupations that included working for the railroad, retail liquor sales and later found his professional home in the criminal justice system. He served both the Davidson County Sherriff Department and the State of Tennessee in an accomplished career that spanned 30 years. He was well respected and made lasting connections with his colleagues.

Johnny’s greatest joy came from his family and friends. In 1958 he met Alice Byrne at a Senior CYO gathering. After a brief courtship he proposed to her the evening of his family birthday dinner celebration at his parents’ home with his whole family present and an Anne Burns birthday jam cake to boot. Thankfully Alice said yes. Johnny and Alice married on Thanksgiving Day November 26, 1959, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nashville. They welcomed daughter Allison in 1961 and later Monica in 1964. Together they built a life of love and family, enjoying time with both extended families and maintaining active friendships as well as being involved in the Catholic community. They participated in parish life at the Cathedral of the Incarnation and various other organizations. Johnny was a faithful Knight of Columbus with Council 544 for more than 50 years where he became a fourth degree Knight and served as Grand Knight.

Johnny grew his family circle when he moved to the Lion’s Head community in 1998. There he made many cherished friendships. He retired in 2003 and became a full-time grandfather and Lions Head super handyman on call 24/7. He always came when called, whether it was to shuttle his grandchildren to school or an event, provide airport transportation to a neighbor, install a dishwasher, climb under a neighbor’s sink to fix a plumbing problem, or carry in someone’s groceries. Into his eighties he was willing and eager to help a family member or a neighbor in need. He seemed to know someone everywhere he went. Whatever one needed they could count on Johnny. He loved to socialize with friends and neighbors who were like family to him. He will be missed poolside at Lion’s Head and evenings at Dalt’s Grill.

Johnny will be remembered as a man of character and a devout Catholic who had many loves and interests. Foremost was his faith and love of his wife of 37 years Alice Byrne, and his girls Allison and Monica. He deeply loved his big Burns family. Johnny enjoyed Sunday night dinners with family, spending time with his grand and great grandchildren, traveling, leading tailgates at Titans’ games, and teaching a younger generation how to barbecue. His greatest gift was his time and attention to those he loved. He had a special way of making others feel important and relevant. He did small things with great love. He has left us all with a legacy of love and service to others.

John E. Burns was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 37 years, Alice Margaret Byrne Burns, his parents James Leo and Anne Elizabeth Tuohy Burns, his brother James “Jimmy” Burns and in-laws John A. Wells, Richard Arnold, and Susan Burns. He is survived by daughters Allison (Tom) Sheehan and Monica (Mitchum) Warren; his grandchildren Colleen (Alex) Sheehan Halfmann and Maggie Sheehan, Mitchum Warren IV, and Emily (Neil) Warren Feldman; great grandchildren Leo Halfmann, Dominic and Fulton Halfmann; Zelie Warren and Mitchum James Warren and their mother Heidi Mathiott Warren; siblings, Mary Ann (Charlie) Keel, Eileen Wells, Jeannie Arnold, Rita (Steve) Oakley, Joe Burns and Kathy Tarkington, Mike Burns, Cathy (Denny) Dobbs; sister-in law Barbara A. Burns, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to thank physician Dr. Jay Kayser for his faithful years of superlative care. We are also grateful for the compassion shown to Johnny in his final days by his team at Ascension St. Thomas West who worked tirelessly to provide the best support to him and his family.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday March 9, 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Marshall Donnelly Combs with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday March 10 at 9:30 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on West End Avenue with visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cecilia Academy https://stcecilia.myschoolapp.com/page/support/donate-now?siteId=1489&ssl=1

Father Ryan High School https://www.fatherryan.org/support-father-ryan or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the BURNS family.