Obituary of Lee McRae Burleson

Lee McRae Burleson, age 89, of Roaring Creek Rd., Newland, passed away Tuesday evening, July 30, 2013 at his home. Born July 30, 1924 in Avery County, he was a son of Charles Wesley and Dimple Viola Cooper Burleson. Mr. Burleson was superintendant and a Deacon of Free Will Baptist Church for 50 years. A veteran of the US Navy, he served during WWII. Mr. Burleson was a graduate of Lee McRae College and Appalachian State University. He retired from the Avery County School system as a driver\'s education teacher. His devotion was to his family, and his enjoyment was tending his farm and vegetable gardens. Mr. Burleson is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pauline Brown Burleson; daughter, Paula Burleson of the home; two sons, Dr. Alric Burleson of the home and Selwyn Burleson and wife, Shirley, of Roan Mountain, TN; granddaughter, Megan Dakota Burleson of Roan Mountain; two sisters, Angela W. Burleson of Sterling, Va., and Bobbie Sanders and husband, William, of Four Oaks; step-grandsons, Jack Shell and wife, Rachel, of Roan Mountain, and John Shell, Jr. and wife Amy, of Jonas Ridge; step-great-grandchildren, Reed and Caroline Shell, both of Roan Mountain, A. J. Harmon and Dalton Turbyfield, both of Jonas Ridge, and Shad Teaster of Banner Elk. Many nieces, nephews, including a special niece, Angela Celest Burleson of Sterling, Va. also survive. He also leaves behind his church family, and his loyalty always remained with the Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Wesley and Dimple Viola Cooper Burleson, and a sister, Emma Lou Masters. Funeral services for Lee McRae Burleson will be conducted Friday afternoon, August 2, 2013, at 2 o\'clock, at the Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Troy Smith. The family will receive friends Friday afternoon from 12:30 until 2 o\'clock, prior to services, at the church. Burial will follow in the Hill Crest Cemetery.