The residents of Villas at Gingercake, where the esteemed Robert Burch resided for the last years of his life, shall greatly miss this Southern gentleman.

In the providence of God, our condo community is composed of people from all over the United States and the world. On the lips of those who had the privilege of knowing him these past years, the common expression was “Robert is a ‘true’ Southern gentleman.”

Mr. Burch sold the land to the Villas and then moved into our condo community. We not only had the joy of knowing him, but the pleasure of hearing the history of this part of the country. His vivid memory of places and people was unparalleled.

Cherished are the memories of Robert bringing cut flowers to those who did a small favor for him. Also in our memory bank is the treasure of seeing Robert and his dog George strolling on the walking path. If one walked with him and George, he would recognize the flowers and the birds. We would then be the recipient of a wealth of knowledge.

As a retired pastor, I had the pleasure of often joining him in prayer. At his request my wife and I had the distinct pleasure of being in his company one last time in the hospice. My wife became his eyes as she read the greeting cards before she softly sang.

Prior to my last prayer with him, I quoted the Twenty-third Psalm. When we came to that portion, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil,” his grip became firmer. A Southern gentleman, yes, but I shall add, a Christian Southern gentleman.

Jackie and Gladdie Kreimann

Fayetteville, Ga.

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