Clement Sidney Burns

Dublin, Georgia lost her favorite son, Clement Sidney Burns. Clem fell asleep in the Lord on July 15, 2023, leaving a legacy in Dublin that will not soon be forgotten.  He was the proud son of the late John and Nettie Burns and was born on October 12, 1935, in Toombs County.  It was on those dirt roads in the piney woods south of Vidalia, Georgia that Clem took his bare feet and found a God-led pathway to the American dream.  He built a life and left a mark and a legacy.

Clem was honored to serve his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army. He was a resident of Dublin for 40 years and is remembered by so many in the Laurens County area as the man who refined the southern brand called Piggly Wiggly. Clem’s Piggly Wiggly breathed life into Dublin, and so did he.  It was his store, it was his cause, and it was his life. Everyone in Dublin knew Mr. Burns. He was the kind of man who helped all and knew no strangers. 

Clem was a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Dublin.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Pierce B. Burns, Julius J. Burns, Herbert E. Burns, and Philip F. Burns. 

He is survived by his wife, Pat Burns of Dublin. She was the shoulder he cried upon, his rock and his joy. He is also survived by his daughters, Tammi Cantrell of Fort Valley, GA, and son-in-law, Mike Cantrell, and Sherry Burns of Royston, GA; and son, Rudy Burns of Atlanta, GA. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Candace and Cole Kimbell, and Summer Burns.  Clem was instrumental in the upbringing of Candace and Cole and absolutely adored them. 

Clem was a gentle soul and a modest man who sought no spotlight and asked nothing but the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He was what all of us would want to be.  Ask his wife.  Ask his kids.  Ask his beloved grandkids.  Ask the hundreds of friends who are better off because they were blessed enough to know Clem Burns.  May his memory be eternal.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 19th at First Baptist Church of Dublin. Burial will follow at Marie Baptist Church Cemetery. Dr. Cliff Morris will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Cole Kimbell, Andy Kimbell, Hunter Kimbell, Chase Kimbell, Jason Keyton, and Tracy Tarpley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 1111 Hillcrest Pkwy. Dublin, GA 31021. 

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