W. Danny Burton

Danny Burton was born on November 8, 1944, to William O. “Dick” Burton and Elizabeth “Libby” Mohundro Burton. He passed away at the age of 78 on December 25, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Danny was a faithful member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church for the majority of his life. A graduate of the Walnut High School Class of 1962, Danny then attended and graduated from Moore Tech Automotive in Memphis, TN. He worked at Carrier in Collierville, TN for more than 20 years. He then was the owner and operator of Walnut Muffler Shop until his retirement in November 2019. Danny served his country proudly in the US Army with a tour of duty in Vietnam where he was a door gunner. He was then promoted to the crew chief of a Huey helicopter. One of Danny’s tasks was to fly with General William Childs Westmoreland whenever commanded. It was during this time that he received several medals for his service, and he also developed a lifetime love of flying. In his spare time, he loved playing the guitar and harmonica, listening to music, sharing his love of music with his grandson, restoring classic cars, visiting a multitude of car shows, windsurfing, flying his powered parachute, serving his church, and taking trips to visit his daughters and granddaughters. He also enjoyed meeting his friends every morning to fellowship over a cup of coffee. Of all of his hobbies and interests, hunting was by far his favorite. Danny’s most memorable hunting trips were spent with his granddaughters, who inherited the love of this pastime. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Imogene Burton Gunn, one brother-in-law, Roy Gunn, Sr., and one brother, Don “Sonny” Burton. Those remaining to remember his legacy are his wife of 30 years, Jan Smith Burton; two daughters, Lea Burton Anderson of Hernando, FL and Danielle Burton Hilliard (Randy) of Lowell, IN; one son, Jock Smith (Beth) of Walnut, MS; two granddaughters, Shelby and Elizabeth Hilliard of Lowell, IN; one grandson, Banks Smith of Walnut, MS. Serving as pallbearers are Randy Hilliard, Jock Smith, Roy Gunn, Jr., Phillip Clark, Tommy Burton, and Bart Burton. Honorary pallbearers are his comrades from the coffee shop. There will be Full Military Honors inside the church. Officiating will be Bro. Rick Cisowski.

W. Danny Burton

November 8, 1944 - December 25, 2022