Jackson County Loses Lifelong Resident and Businessman, Henry Burke

A Testimonial By Sid Riley

He was one of those special people who you instantly liked and respected. His love for his God, his family, and Jackson County were his motivation and focus. Henry Burke was part of what has been deemed “Our Greatest Generation”, and he exemplified the attributes which has earned his generation that acclaim. Henry passed away on Tuesday, March 16 at the age of 82.

Henry lived all but the first two of his years in Jackson County. He graduated from Marianna High School in the class of 1945. He served a year in the U.S. Navy and then attended the University of Alabama. While attending college he met Mary Anne Jones who became his wife in 1950, a loving relationship that lasted for the rest of his life.

After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in Business, Henry returned to Marianna and took a position as a salesman with McCaskill Ford Motor Company. Then in 1961 he began his career in the insurance industry when he went to work as an agent for New York Life Insurance Company. This job lasted for forty-eight years, a fact which is an indication of Henry’s character, loyalty, and devotion to duty.

Henry was always an active worker in civic activities in our community. He was a longtime member of the Marianna Rotary Club, served as President of that civic organization, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow of the club. He was also a longtime member of the renowned “Mark Out” Coffee Club in Marianna, and was an active member of the First Methodist Church, serving on numerous Boards and Committees for the Church. Henry loved to play golf, fish, and be with his many friends.

Henry is survived by his wife, Mary Anne, his two sons “Bo” and “Bob”, two daughters, Beverly Burke McCaskill and “Bess” Burke Hooks. There are thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Hubert Mitchell, a friend for over forty years, can not help but become tearful when he speaks of Henry Burke. “We worked together, played golf together, and shared most of our lives as friends. Not too many months ago Henry and I were reflecting on our friendship and Henry told me he ‘loved me as a brother’, and I knew he meant it. When I think of that statement now, I am deeply touched,” Mitchell stated. Henry Burke will be missed by many of us.