George Burnham, Jr.

George N. Burnham, Jr., 89 of Hendersonville, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. He is preceded in death by his wife Betty of 53 years, parents, George Sr. and Dorothy Burnham along with two brothers. Survived by his four daughters. Jane (Doug) Wade, Carol O'Brien, Diane (Steve) Summitt and Linda Parker, sisters, Nancy (Tommy) Engwer, Beverly Wiley and Marge Florence. George is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren along with many extended family and friends.

George was born on October 31, 1931 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts to the late George Sr. and Dorothy Burnham. Early on in Massachusetts, he worked for the railroad installing communication poles. He served in the United States Army as a crew chief on Huey helicopters. George served 2 tours in Vietnam and also served in Korea. He had many stories of flying with the "crazy" Lieutenants during his tours. George retired from the Army in 1978 and briefly sold insurance before managing a Tandy leather store in Nashville. He then started his own home business as a Leather Craftsman which included making leather guitar straps for several nationally known country musicians. George was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. His favorite holiday was Thanksgiving when his whole family would get together. George was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a generous man and widely respected in his field. Always willing to help out his fellow leather craftsmen.

A gathering for family and friends will be held at Hendersonville Funeral Home, 353 East Main Street in Hendersonville on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George's name can be made to a charity on one's choice.

The funeral home requests that those attending to please wear a mask and observe social distancing.