Reverend Dr. Bruce Burlington Burton Sr.

The life of a man of great faith, humility and presence reflects the glory, compassion and exceptional artistry of his Creator. Reverend Dr. Bruce Burlington Burton, Sr. was born the youngest child of Charles H. Burton,Sr. and Josephine R. Burton on December 23, 1953 in Essex County, Virginia. Preceded in death by his parents, he departed this life on Monday, July 15, 2019. Raised in Tappahannock, VA, Reverend Burton received his early education in the Essex County Public School System. Following his parents’ directives, he would regularly attend church service at First Baptist Church, and was eventually baptized in the chilly waters of the Rappahannock River as a youth. Bruce was involved in the church and community in various capacities, serving on the junior usher board and as a lifeguard at the community swimming pool. After graduating from Essex High School, he matriculated to college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education and a Master of Education from Virginia State University. Bruce was a career teacher, working with students for over 40 years in King William County and Henrico County Public School Systems. For over 20 years, he taught at the Henrico Juvenile Detention Center in Henrico County. On August 30, 1980, Bruce married Mary Taylor, embarking on an unbreakable union and best friendship. Of this union, they proudly raised three children, Davonda, Christine and Bruce Jr. A devoted husband and outstanding father, Bruce Sr. cherished opportunities to be with his family, often documenting “every day” joys and special occasions with either his camcorder or camera. More recently, he could also be seen beaming with joy any time he was in the presence of his granddaughter, Rosalind. The two often enjoyed eating snacks together, taking selfies and making trips to his backyard garden. Bruce led his family in becoming members of St. James Baptist Church in Varina. He served as a doorkeeper, church school teacher and leader of the Karakul Kraal Sheepfold. In 1999, Bruce was ordained a deacon, eventually serving as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. On June 28, 2010, Bruce answered God’s calling to “feed my sheep,” and was licensed to “preach the gospel”. In May of 2011, he graduated Magma Cum Laude from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University (STVU) with a Master of Divinity Degree and two years later earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education Degree. Reverend Burton was ordained to the ministry on February 19, 2012. Reverend Dr. Bruce Burton served as an Associate Minister at St. James Baptist Church in Varina. He also ministered to the members of St. John Baptist Church of Tappahannock. On June 4, 2017, Reverend Dr. Bruce Burton, Sr. was installed as the twelfth pastor of the historic St. James Baptist Church of Milford. He loved pastoring the church family of St. James. A photographer and entrepreneur, Bruce was well known for his professionalism and the exceptional quality of his work. He cultivated his gift for photography to help countless individuals chronicle significant milestones and special occasions. Bruce would eventually combine his love for theological studies, passion for photography, and gift for teaching students of all ages to complete a Doctorate of Ministry degree in 2017, focusing on the power of photography and digital imagery in the 21st century church. Bruce was celebrated for his love for God, warm personality, wit and wisdom. He was gifted in teaching, caring for others and helping them to feel well-loved and respected. He was a man of many talents and hobbies, thoroughly enjoying playing tennis, gardening, playing Jeopardy and watching good movies. He was also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Of all his accomplishments and affiliations, The Reverend Dr. Bruce Burlington Burton’s greatest joy was his family. He leaves to continue his legacy and cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife, Mary T. Burton, two daughters: Davonda Smith (Rashaun) and Christine Stephenson (Christopher), a son: Bruce Jr., one granddaughter: Rosalind Elyse, three sisters: Linda Dove, Troy Burton and Charlotte Monroe, one brother: Charles Burton, Jr. (Mimi), sister-in-law: Elizabeth Rouse (Marshall) and a host of relatives, church family, friends and former students. Reverend Dr. Bruce Burlington Burton, Sr. loved God, loved people and lived a life inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:13-14 as he shares, “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Tributes

Reverend Dr. Bruce Burlington Burton Sr.

December 23, 1953 - July 15, 2019