Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you - Philippians 4:9
Obituary
Bennie Jo Burton, Sr.
August 2, 1952 – September 25, 2026
Bennie Jo Burton, Sr., 74, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 25, 2026. He was
born on August 2, 1952, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Von L. Burton, Sr. and Martha L.
Wood Burton.
Bennie never knew a stranger. He knew a lot of people, and a lot of people knew him. Beyond
his own family, he was an unofficial Ambassador to communities spanning across Roebuck, East
Lake, Brown Springs, Woodlawn, and Center Point. To many more, he was a husband, father,
brother, uncle, cousin, coworker, neighbor, church member, and a dear friend. He was always
helping someone, and he never thought twice about helping people.
He attended Jefferson County Schools, graduated from Springdale High School (now Fultondale
High School) with the Class of 1970, and went on to Alabama A&M University, which he loved
for the rest of his life. While there, he pledged the Pi Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, the
national service fraternity. He also served as a Mason. Every year he made sure his family took
part in the Magic City Classic festivities, especially the parade and football game. One year he
rode in the parade himself, as chauffeur for Dr. A.G. Gaston, passing out candy along the route.
He was also a devoted Alabama Crimson Tide fan. He and Jennifer traveled to see the Tide play
at the Rose Bowl and other stadiums, and sometimes their children, spouses, and grandchildren
came along. Heaven help you if you rooted for the other team. If your team lost to Alabama,
you'd find a sympathy card on your car or in your mailbox, courtesy of Bennie.
Bennie worked hard all his life. Over the years, he served as personal assistant and chauffeur to
Dr. A.G. Gaston, worked as an administrative clerk at Citizens Trust Bank, and was a supervisor
with Delta Air Lines. He was a production associate at Glass Form and at Haverpride Farms,
where he also served as a union leader. He retired from Honda Manufacturing of Alabama as a
production team member on the engine assembly line.
Bennie had a real gift for commercial painting, and he turned it into his own business with his
business partner, Mr. Harold Ryce, Jr., B & H Painting Co. He took great pride in his home,
keeping the yard manicured with seasonal plants, the cars sparkling, and the house freshly
painted. At heart, he was also a farmer. His garden produced a bountiful and delicious crop of
greens, and his tomatoes were just as good. Each fall, pecan season became Bennie's hands-on
job training program, preparing his children for life. They learned customer service,
manufacturing, and supply chain logistics firsthand as they picked, processed, cracked,
packaged, and delivered pecans to friends and family. And he never gave anyone pecans still in
the shell. If they came from Bennie, they were shelled and ready to enjoy. The plum tree he
planted at the family home in East Lake became a neighborhood treasure, with neighborhood
children stopping by to pick plums right off the branches. There, he also built a basketball goal
and had the playing area cemented, so his son Bennie, Jr. and young friends had a place to play
when the neighborhood park was crowded with teenagers, and he had a swing set put up for his
younger daughter, Valerie. When his oldest daughter, Rhonda, cheered at Woodlawn High
School, he was the loudest fan in the stands, and the Colonels said they played a little harder
when they heard his voice. He loved rabbit hunting with his beagles, and he was especially
devoted to Marcia, a beautiful Akita dog he loved dearly and bred. He was an avid fisherman
who could often be found casting a line at East Lake Park, Oak Mountain, Lake Purdy, Lake
Guntersville, or at the little fishing hole by the creek in the neighborhood where he grew up. He
and Jennifer enjoyed shopping at estate sales. He read The Birmingham News every day, and the
Sunday paper took him the whole day, with a bowl of cornflakes drowned in sugar and Pet milk
beside him. Having grown up in segregated Birmingham, he taught his children to know their
history and to stand up for what is right. He made sure they marched to commemorate the Civil
Rights Movement and cheered at patriotic parades, so they would see their country from more
than one side. Before the days of cell phones, friends and family always knew when he had
stopped by. He didn't leave a note. He left something out of place, a signature only Bennie could
leave. And he could often be found on his front porch, where there was always room for
someone to sit a while.
Bennie was also a self-proclaimed professional watermelon picker. He had a knack for choosing
the sweetest watermelon in the pile, every single time. One year, the seeds he had tossed aside
sprouted into a whole crop of watermelons, and no one was more delighted, or more proud of
that accidental harvest, than Bennie. He found great joy in introducing his grandchildren to his
favorite drink, Grapico. He and Jennifer kept the freezer stocked with Blue Bell ice cream and
the grandchildren's favorite popsicles. He always claimed it was for the grandchildren, but
everyone knew about his sweet tooth. It went way back. He loved to reminisce about his college
days, when his favorite treat was a syrup sandwich made with white bread, butter, and Golden
Eagle syrup.
Bennie confessed Christ as a child. He was a direct descendant of one of the founding families of
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church – Zion City, and that heritage shaped his lifelong
commitment to service. As a young father, he and his family moved their membership to New
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, now The STAR Church. It was closer to home, and
many of their children's classmates worshipped there.
At The STAR Church, Bennie gave his time and his heart. He was ordained a deacon by Rev.
Tommy C. Chappell, Sr. He served on the usher board, stepped in as a substitute Sunday School
superintendent, and sang in the men's choir. He was the church's first official landscaper and kept
its grounds beautiful until his health would no longer allow it, a love he passed on to his son,
Bennie Jr., who carries it on today with his own landscaping business. He loved Sunday School
and faithfully studied his weekly lesson. He loved fellowship so much that when his son worked
at Krispy Kreme, Bennie started a tradition of bringing in dozens of fresh doughnuts and brewing
coffee so members could assemble in the fellowship hall after Sunday School before the 11
o'clock service. He and Jennifer also served together as Boy Scout troop leaders. He was also a
quiet giver, never seeking credit; he donated to many youth athletic programs and helped young
all-stars chase their dreams. Even while facing his own illnesses, he went to the bedsides of his
ailing brother, neighbors, and brothers-in-law to keep them clean-shaven, preserving their dignity
when they could no longer do it themselves.
On April 28, 1973, Bennie married the love of his life, the beautiful Jennifer. Her grace and
warmth caught his eye, and her heart kept it for over 50 years. Jennifer was his partner in every
season of life. She raised their three children beside him, made their house a home, and stood
with him through every joy and every trial. She was an excellent cook, and Bennie made sure she
knew it. He especially loved her beef roast with greens, her fried chicken wings, her holiday
dinners, and above all, her sweet potato pies. Every Christmas, the two of them transformed their
home with a display of lights so spectacular that people came from all over Birmingham to see it,
an extravaganza his grandchildren especially looked forward to annually. In the years when he
needed her most, she became his caregiver – adding onto her role as his devoted wife. She
tended to him with patience, tenderness, and unwavering devotion, and she never left his side. In
every love note or greeting card he ever gave her, Bennie signed his name the same way: "Your
Hero, Bennie." In his final years, the roles reversed, and Jennifer became his hero until the very
end. When he could no longer speak, she became his voice, understanding what he wanted to say
even when the words would not come. And through it all, they never lost their playfulness with
each other. Anyone who spent time with them could see how deeply they loved each other. Their
marriage was the commitment they made in 1973, lived out every day.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandchildren, Justin Rashard Fields and Courtney
Victoria McKenzie; his siblings, Dr. Von L. Burton, Jr., Lillian Marie Burton (Porter), and
Everett Lewis Burton; and his sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Hatcher (the late Donald) and Eileen
Bankhead.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 53 years, Jennifer Burton; his children,
Rhonda Fields (Milton), Bennie Jo Burton, Jr. (DeAndrea), and Valerie McKenzie (Cory); his
grandchildren, Mileana Fields, Milton Fields, Jr., Alisa Fields, Brianna Kindred, Bianca Kindred,
Bailea Dent, Tyra McKenzie, Tori McKenzie, Talia McKenzie, and Cory McKenzie, Jr.; his
brothers, Ronald Allen Burton (Sharon) and Sidney James Doaty (Kathryn); his sisters-in-law,
Antrena Myers (Mathew), Linda Miller, and Emily Johnson (the late Roderick); his brother-in-
law, Jeffrey Bankhead; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.
He is also lovingly remembered by his extended Burton family of Kellyton, Goodwater,
Sylacauga, and throughout Coosa County, Alabama.
Donate
In honor of our beloved Bennie, we invite you to contribute to a cause that was near and dear to his heart. Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Bennie by supporting a meaningful cause, the Parkinson's Foundation. The Parkinson's Foundation is committed to improving care and advancing research towards a cure for Parkinson's disease.
Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Bennie embodied throughout his life.
Funeral Program
We invite you to view Deacon Bennie Jo Burton, Sr.’s funeral program by clicking the link below. We hope it offers you an opportunity to reflect on his life, celebrate his legacy, and join us in honoring his memory.
With love and gratitude,
The Burton Family
Timeline
That same year, Bennie and Jennifer welcomed their first child, Rhonda. With her birth, the newlyweds became Mom and Dad, a title Bennie was most proud of.
Bennie took great pride in being a father. As Rhonda grew, he made sure she knew exactly how much by always being her biggest and loudest supporter.
Fatherhood gave Bennie another person to teach, protect, tease and eventually put to work. As Bennie Jr. grew older, his father passed down his love for landscaping, gardening, painting and working with his hands.
Church became woven into the rhythm of Burton family life. Bennie was ordained a deacon by Rev. Tommy C. Chappell, Sr., served on the usher board, sang in the men's choir, substituted as Sunday School superintendent, and became the church's first official landscaper.
Their children didn't simply hear their parents talk about faith and service—they grew up watching them live it.
Bennie planted the plum tree that eventually became a neighborhood treasure, with children stopping by to pick fruit from its branches. He planted seasonal gardens filled with greens and tomatoes, and made sure the yard was always cared for.
Each fall brought pecan season, which became Bennie's unofficial training program for his children, Rhonda, Bennie Jr., and later Valerie—they learned to pick, process, crack, package, and deliver pecans to family and friends. Without realizing it, they were learning lessons about hard work, responsibility, customer service, and taking pride in doing a job correctly.
By then, the East Lake backyard already had a basketball court for Bennie Jr. For his baby girl, Bennie added something else: a swing set for Valerie.
It was characteristic of the kind of father he was. Bennie often expressed love by doing—building something, fixing something, planting something, showing up somewhere, or finding a way to make life a little better for the people he loved.
The family traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando in the resort's early years, when it included only the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. They attended the Magic City Classic every year. Bennie helped organize Burton Family Reunions so his children would grow up knowing their extended family.
Whether the destination was Disney World, Legion Field, church, a fishing hole, a family reunion, or simply their own backyard, Bennie wanted his family together.
Over the years, he worked at Haverpride Farms, where he served as a union leader; Glass Form; Citizens Trust Bank; and Delta Air Lines, where he served as a supervisor. He was also a personal assistant and chauffeur to legendary Birmingham businessman Dr. A.G. Gaston.
His talent for commercial painting led him and his business partner, Harold Ryce, Jr., to establish B & H Painting Co.
Later, Bennie joined Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, working on the engine assembly line until his retirement.
His children grew up seeing that work wasn't simply about earning a paycheck. Their father took pride in doing things well.
Bennie's love for his home followed him there. The yard became more beautiful with seasonal flowers and careful landscaping. The cars stayed sparkling. The house stayed freshly painted.
And, somehow, Christmas got even bigger.
The Christmas display Bennie and Jennifer had begun while raising their children in East Lake grew into an extravaganza. In time, their grandchildren would look forward to seeing Grandaddy's house transformed each December just as their parents once had.
Rhonda married Milton Fields, Bennie Jr. married DeAndrea, and Valerie married Cory McKenzie. Bennie didn't simply gain a son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and another son-in-law—his family circle became larger.
Then came the grandchildren.
Through Rhonda came Justin, Mileana, Milton Jr., and Alisa. Through Bennie Jr. came Brianna, Bianca, and Bailea. Through Valerie came Tyra, Tori, Talia, Courtney, and Cory Jr.
The man his children knew as Daddy now had another name:
Grandaddy.
Bennie underwent deep brain stimulation surgery at UAB Medicine to treat his Parkinson's and was later featured in a UAB Medicine video about his recovery.
Even as illness changed what he could physically do, it never erased who he was or the life he had already poured into so many others.
He introduced his grandchildren to Grapico, and he and Jennifer kept their freezer stocked with Blue Bell ice cream and everyone's favorite banana popsicles. Bennie insisted all those sweets were there for the grandchildren, although nobody in the family was fooled.
His grandchildren inherited many of the traditions their parents had grown up with: Christmas lights, football, family gatherings, Magic City Classic festivities, travel, jokes, and plenty of time at Grandaddy and Granny's house.
He planted faith by showing his children what service looked like.
He planted pride and perseverance by teaching them their history.
He planted traditions through Christmas, football, the Magic City Classic, Disney trips, family reunions, pecan seasons, fishing trips, and Sundays at church.
He planted laughter through jokes, teasing, and the little things only he would do.
And together with Jennifer, he planted the most important thing of all: a family.
From one home came generations of memories. From one man's commitment to God, family, service, hard work, and joy came a legacy that didn't end when he returned home.
The seeds Bennie planted are still growing.
Gallery
Bennie’s Gift To Science
Memory Wall
Family Tree
Service
We will gather to remember and honor the life of Bennie Jo Burton, Sr. While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we also want to hold close the joyful memories, love, and laughter he shared with us. Your presence would bring great comfort and warmth to our family as we reflect on his beautiful legacy together.
7400 London Ave., Birmingham, AL 35206
11:00 AM CST
1591 Gadsden Hwy., Birmingham, AL 35235
102 6th Ave SW, Birmingham, AL 35211
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST
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