Norman Osborne Burns, age 90 of Rockvale, entered into eternal peace at his home on Friday, July 22, 2016.

Norman was born on May 23, 1926 in Rutherford County to the late Horace H. Burns and Annie Lee Watson Burns. He attended Rockvale High School and then began his lifelong career with Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Coorperation in February 1949. Norman married the love of his life, Gracie Olene Insel Burns, on December 24, 1948 and together they raised four children. Norman and Olene built and maintained their farm while dedicating themselves to the Rockvale community and the Rockvale Church of God.

Norman was a faithful follower of Christ and served his church through singing in the choir, leading worship, as a trustee, and working with the youth. His service in the community included being an active member in the Rockvale Ruritan Club and a Little League and Babe Ruth baseball coach. Norman worked as a lineman and labor foreman with MTEMC and retired in April 1989 after 40 years of service. Following retirement, he enjoyed traveling on his motorcycle, working his farm, and spending time with his family. He will be affectionately remembered for his sense of humor, big laugh, dedicated care, and love for his beloved wife and family. He will be missed by many.

Norman was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Olene Insel Burns; parents; one sister, Bobbie Edna Trail; four brothers, George Thomas, Sammy Lee, James Poplin "Jimmy", and Horace Warner "Bud".

Norman is survived by one daughter, Gwen Williams and her husband Michael of Murfreesboro, three sons, Ron Burns and his partner Deborah Mitchell of Miami, Florida, Lynn Burns and his wife Kathy of Lawrenceburg, and Norman Burns II and his wife Sandy of Noblesville, Indiana; grandchildren, Brian Williams and his partner Amy Maden, Chad Williams, Abby Wilson and her husband Spencer, Jake Burns, Ryan Burns and his wife Laura, and Caleb Burns, Abigail Burns, Duncan Burns, and Hannah Burns, Lynsey Burns and Landon Burns; five great-grandchildren Jesse, Gracie, Abby, Sadie, and Sawyer; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored.

Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00pm until 7:00pm Sunday, July 24, 2016 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11:00am at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with son-in-law Michael Williams officiating. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and granddaughters along with great-grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. Burial will follow at the Burns Family Cemetery in Rockvale, Tennessee.

The Burns family requests that memorial donations may be made to the Rockvale Church of God Vision Fund, 7780 Jackson Ridge Road, Rockvale, Tennessee 37153 or The Burns Memorial Cemetery Fund, in care of Lisa Burns Batey, 7508 Bradley Creek Road, Lascassas, Tennessee 37085.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the Burns family at www.woodfinchapel.com .