Gerald Robert Burns

Gerald Robert Burns, born on May 1, 1942, in Maryville, TN, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. Born to Herbert and Lurline Burns was a beloved husband, father, and friend. A graduate of Alcoa High School, class of 1960, he was voted Mr. Alcoa and was a proud member of the state championship basketball team. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee before serving in the U.S. Air Force. After his military service, Gerald dedicated over 44 years to his passion for medicine as a surgeon, starting at Donelson Hospital and later at Summit Medical Center, where he worked alongside his beloved wife, who served as his assistant. He traveled as a surgicalist for nine years before retiring in 2018. In addition to his medical career, Gerald was a talented woodworker, crafting beautiful grandfather clocks from wood sourced from his family farm in Townsend, TN, as well as pens that he generously gifted to friends and loved ones. Above all, he cherished time spent with family and found joy in Bible study and friendships within his church community.

Gerald is survived by;

Wife - of 44 years, Sherry Burns

Children – Bonnie (Arthur) Lachowicz, Kenneth (Ereck) Burns, Steven (Kathryn) Burns

Brother – Ralph (Ann) Burns

Grandchildren – Madison, Brooklyn, Kai, Skylar Lachowicz, Wiley, and Katie Burns

Niece – Kathryn Burns

Mother-in-Law – Joyce Robinson

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Lurline Burns, and his aunts, Inez Burns and Edith Little.

A funeral service for Gerald will be held on Friday, March 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Bond Memorial Chapel, officiated by Bro. Dean Haun with internment to follow at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Arthur Lachowicz, Steven Burns, Kenneth Burns, Ereck Jarvis, Kai Lachowicz, and Wiley Burns. Visitation will be held on Thursday March 26, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 12 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements by: Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615)773-2663, www.bondmemorial.com