Francis Ward Burts, Jr.

Francis Ward Burts, Jr., was born on November 13, 1925, to Sarah E. Smith and Francis W. Burts, Sr., in Atlanta.  He was called home to Heaven on February 21, 2023.  He was a member of New Holland Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA.

Ward grew up in Atlanta and was part of the 1943 graduating class at Boys High, then continued his education for a few years at Mars Hill College.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1951, being stationed in Texas, Utah, and Japan.  Ward remained in active duty until his Honorable Discharge in 1953.  Ward also retired from the Army Reserves.

Ward and Stella Brewer Barden married in November of 1970, making their home in Lawrenceville and Buford.

He retired from Fulton County Government, Office of Magistrate’s Court, in 1984.  In his spare time, he volunteered at PGA golf tournaments around the Atlanta area, enjoyed cheering for the Gwinnett Braves/Stripers, and played on Bowling and Horseshoe throwing teams.  Ward and Stella spent many years touring America and enjoying the company of fellow “Rambling Ramblers.”

Along with his parents, Ward was predeceased by his wife, brother, Stephen Burts, Sr., and stepson, Alan Barden.

Survivors are stepchildren; Howell (Lane) Barden, Cheryl (Gary) Wigley, Carolyn Barden; Neice, Jan (Walt) Hobbs; nephews, Stephen (Joy) Burts, Jr., Craig Burts, and Kevin Burts.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, with Pastor Brian Stephens officiating.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the many caregivers at Phoenix Senior Living at Lake Lanier and Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice for the kind and loving care given to Ward.