Walter Burleson

BURLESON, WALTER “WALT,” of Cahaba Heights passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at the age of 74. After graduating from Hamilton High School, Walter served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Denver, Morocco, England, and Orlando. He later attended Auburn University and obtained a degree in Industrial Management from Southern Technical Institute in Georgia. Walter worked for the H.D. Lee Company for 17 years, managing many manufacturing plants in Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia and then for White Staff in Murfreesboro, TN, Kappler Industries in Guntersville, and Burleson Industries in Oneonta. Walter will be remembered by his wit and his loyalty to family, friends, and his country. He also had a love for aviation and history. His love and pride for his children and grandchildren poured out in every conversation he held. He was given the gift of life in a heart transplant in April 1991. He truly believed in miracles and was a walking example for 17 years that they do happen. Walter was a member of the Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church and has served on the Board of Trustees. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth Tyndal Burleson; son, Mark Burleson (Cindy) of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Robin Soprano (Martin) of Huntsville; five grandchildren, Chris and Randi Burleson, Anthony, Ryan, and Mary Beth Soprano; two sisters, Marjorie Wiginton and Laura Gene Fikes of Hamilton, AL. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 10, 2008 from 10-11 AM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Highway 150, Hoover. Chapel service will follow at 11:00 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cahaba Heights United Methodist Church. Special thanks to the UAB Heart Transplant Staff and his coordinator for 17 years, Mrs. Connie White Williams; Dr. Baird and the Oncology Department; Dr. Spencer and staff at the Wallace Tumor Institute; and the Palliative Care Staff.