Eugene "Gene" Burke

Eugene “Gene” Burke, age 80 of Helen, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Burke was born November 24, 1932 in White County to the late Linton and Mae Julia Russell Burke. He was a Veteran of the United States Army having served in the Korean War. Mr. Burke was a member of Center Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Lou Westmoreland, Nora Anderson, Laraine Canup, brothers Wilburn Burke and Douglas Burke. Survivors include his wife, Opal Burke, Helen; brothers, John Burke, Cleveland; Bill Burke, Denver, CO; sister, Jenny Brooks, Demorest. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, November 9, 2013 from Center Baptist Church. The Rev. Michael Wilkes will officiate. Interment will follow in Yonah View Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 3-7:30 PM Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Center Baptist Church Building Fund, 109 Elrod Rd. Helen, GA 30545 or the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 329 Palmetto, GA 30268. Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.