F. Wayne Burke

Mr. Francis Wayne Burke, age 64, of Vidalia, died Sunday, July 13, 2014, at his home after a brief illness. He was born in Bulloch County on March 31, 1950, to Francis Holmes Burke and Lonita Myrtis Shuman Burke. He moved to Vidalia in 1962, and was a 1968 graduate of Vidalia High School. While in high school, he began his funeral service career with Murchison Funeral Home, and went on to graduate from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta. He was licensed by the State of Georgia as a funeral director and embalmer. He was employed with Deloach Funeral Home in Waynesboro, and also served as the Burke County Coroner for several years. Later, he worked with Elliott Funeral Home in Augusta, and most recently retired from Swain Funeral Home in Baxley.

Mr. Burke is survived by his wife of ten years, Faith Somers Burke of Vidalia; two daughters: Betty Burke Hallman and husband Kevin of North Augusta, South Carolina, and Olivia Williford Pratt and husband Frank of Cartersville; five grandchildren: Taylor Herold, Chase Herold, Amber Hallman, and McKenzie Hallman, all of North Augusta, and Rose Pratt of Cartersville; one sister: Cherry Lowery and husband Robert of Brooklet; one niece: Jennifer Lowery Gordon and husband Joey of Brooklet; one nephew: Justin Lowery of Brooklet; and numerous great-nieces, and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends at home, and visitation will be on Wednesday afternoon from 4:00 until 6:00.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 a.m. in the Vidalia Presbyterian Church with Reverend Kevin Hicks officiating. Burial will follow in the Pinecrest Cemetery.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Nu-Hope Club, P.O. Box 222, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia.