Mr. Eddie Junior Burch was the baby of seven children and was born in Hartwell, Ga., on October 22, 1933, and was the son of the late George Albert Burch and Susie Thornton Burch. He peacefully departed this life at his home on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Statesville, N.C., surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death along with his parents; his wife, Vivian Burch; and siblings, Beatrice Cassell, George Henry Burch, Willie Burch, Joe Burch, Geneva Swilling, and Vadilue Rucker; son Michael Burch; and great granddaughter, Dream Roseboro.
Mr. Eddie left school at an early age to help his mother after his father’s death. He did learn a trade and was the first Black man to graduate from Bell Heavy Equipment and Construction Co. in 1958. He worked with Mr. Bell, learning his trade, and this supported his family. He later worked for himself and helped his community with digging drain lines, pipes and paving driveways. In his early years, he attended Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church and in the late 1970s, he became a member of Saint John Baptist Church. To say he loved to sing in the choir is an understatement, and he was a part of the All-Male Chorus. Another love was fishing and he would enjoy an early Saturday morning on the banks.
Mr. Eddie has six surviving children. He leaves to cherish the loving memory of his life, Shirley (Derek) Lackey of Augusta, Ga., Pastor Patricia Pearson of Hepzibah, Ga., Eddie Burch Jr. of Mocksville, N.C., Vivian Burch of Graniteville, S.C., Beatrice Burch of Statesville, N.C., and Susan Burch of the home.
In addition to his surviving children, Mr. Burch has 11 grandchildren, Keonie (Tersina) Pearson, LaTasha Lackey Clarke, Maurice Kelly (Jennifer) Clark, Eddie Burch III, LaTrivia Pearson, Stephanie Burch, Timothy David Burch, Jonathan (Maria) Burch, Sharee Burch, Michael Wayne Burch Jr. and Shamichael Young; 14 great grandchildren, Kieria Pearson, Latrice Pearson, Markell Clark, Aiden Clark, Seanee Jackson, Tori Jackson, Brianna Jackson, Jacob Jackson, Timothy David Burch Jr., Ah’niyahh Burch, Alayah Burch Isabell Burch, Conner Sanders and Ava Warren; and two great great grandchildren, Talia Simmons and Amyna Burch. He has a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. He has a special nephew, Anthony Boyce and special friend Ms. Linda Knox.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. John Baptist Church of Statesville, N.C., at 2 p.m. with Reverend Burrel Brooks, Pastor and Reverend Timothy Bates Officiating.
Mr. Burch will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home where members of the family will receive friends from 6 until 7 p.m. on Friday, but will assemble at the residence at other times. Mr. Burch will lie in state at the church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, 30 minutes prior to the funeral.
Visit the Book of Memories for Mr. Burch at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.
Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Eddie Junior Burch.