Edward Harlon Burnam, Jr. AKA “Buddy,”AKA “Coach Burnam,” AKA “Papa Buddy,” age 80, of Jennings, Fla., passed away at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga., following an illness of some time.
Buddy was the son of the late Edward Harlon Burnam and Marie Dees Burnam. He and his twin brother Edward Harlew Burnam were delivered on Aug. 12, 1940 but Harlew died during childbirth.
Buddy was a longtime employee of the Hamilton County School Board working primarily at the Hamilton County High School teaching and coaching baseball. Many a story could be told about him risking life and limb teaching teenagers in Hamilton and Suwannee County to drive in Driver’s Education Class. Buddy was an avid flats fisherman, spending endless hours trying to catch “the next big one.” He was a member of Burnham Church near Jennings.
Buddy was preceded in death by step-son, Jody Hunter. Survivors include: his wife of 25 years, Connie Law Burnam of Jennings; his son, Benjamin Edward “Benjy” Burnam of Jennings; his daughter, Rebecca Gay Burnam Johnson (Curt) of Valdosta, Ga.; his two step-daughters, Sue Cox (Jeff) and Tina Harvey; three brothers: Lavon Burnam (Joy), Larry Burnam (Kathy) and Don Burnam (Beth) all of Jennings; two sisters, Jean Jones (Bill) of Jacksonville and Earlene Burnam Carter (Glen) of Jennings; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020 at Burnam Church near Jennings. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Harry T. Reid Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.