Louie Dave Burns

Louie Dave "Speedy" Burns, 96, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully in his sleep New Year's Day, 2013 at home. He was preceded in death by the love of his life for 55 years, his wife, Helen Ruth Burns; his parents, Callie Tenniswood Burns and Robert Murphy Burns; sisters, Beatrice McAlister and Carol May Lindsey; his brothers, Jesse James Burns, Robert Hubert Burns, and Harold Eugene Burns. He leaves to cherish his memory one daughter and son-in-law, Robin L. and Dr. Philip H. Johnson; two grandchildren, Katherine C. Johnson and Matthew C. Johnson, all of Little Rock; one sister, Patty Dean Burns Reid of Cabot, and a host of nieces, nephews, and others who continue to love him. He was the nephew of Dr. "Doc" William Milton Burns, (Uncle Mitt), previous mayor and chairman of North Little Rock Park Commission who oversaw the 870 acres donated and today named "Burns Park." Mr. Burns served in the United States Navy Seabees in the South Pacific and Okinawa during World War II. He worked many years at Missouri Pacific Railroad. During the passenger train years, Mr. Burns worked as a carman and a brakeman. Before retirement, he worked at the North Little Rock Missouri Pacific Shops. He worked at Brown's Cookie Company; he was a truck driver, moving houses and other heavy hauling; he was a butcher, and , as a boy, earned his nickname, "Speedy", by speeding around his hometown of Beebe delivering groceries. "Speedy" was an honorable, hardworking and gifted man who tenderly loved his family and friends; he built his family a home where they lived for over 45 years. He could build or fix anything and used those abilities to help others. Mr. Burns was a past president (1964-65) and Lifetime Member Recipient of the Rosedale Optimist Club. During his term as president, he helped break ground with his own hands for the first ball field, beginning a community baseball program for children. He worked tirelessly clearing land, laying fence and building restrooms and a concession stand. He loved serving his community. Mr. Burns was a member of Rosedale Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served as a Deacon and on the Building Committee. He was 32nd degree member of the Masonic Order, Mary Williams Lodge # 307 and member of the Scottish Rite. Even though Mr. Burns' body was beginning to fail him, his mind remained organized and alert. Even after he lost his eyesight, one could rely on his directions to travel accurately. His wit, sense of humor and vivid descriptions of past life events made visits an absolute joy for others. He will be sorely missed. Grieving caregivers feeling a loss as well are Ms. Veronica Winfrey, Mrs. Shirley Steele and Ms. Lorene Turner. The family can never express their gratitude enough for the love these women provided as well as previous caregivers who touched his life. The family wishes a special thank you to Dr. Eric Bravo, Dr. Kathy Parnell and Dr. Robert Brewer for their special care. Thank you to Baptist Health 7B, and BRI Recuperative Care 7th floor as well. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock (501) 661-9111 with Rev. Raymond McAlister officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. Sunday until service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Macedonia Missionary Service, P. O Box 68, Polk City, Fla 33868. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.