Gardner Jason "GJ" Burchfield

Gardner Jason Burchfield, affectionately known as GJ, laid down his earthly tabernacle to answer the Master’s call at 3:32 in the afternoon on Friday, July 5th.

       He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late Nath and Harriet Lynn Burchfield.  In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by two infant daughters, Angel and Jeannie; brothers, GF Burchfield, Franklin Burchfield, Wayne Burchfield and Jimmy Ray Burchfield.

       GJ is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Ila Jean Rye Burchfield; son Scott Burchfield (Kimberly); daughter Claudie Burchfield; grandchildren Caleb Burchfield (Emily), Josh Burchfield (Leanne), Moriah Burchfield and Bray Burchfield; 13 great grandchildren; brothers Quillard Burchfield and Garmer Burchfield; special brother-in-law Jerry Rye (Vivian); sisters-in-law Nette Burchfield and Ann Lynn; special great niece Katelyn Burchfield Adams; and many nephews and nieces.

     In his day, GJ was a painter, taxidermist, beekeeper, and avid gardener (he loved all flowers and trees and had a way of making anything grow).  He was a natural horseman and loved to fish and hunt.  He had many bear, coon, hog, squirrel and rabbit dogs through the years.  He was a true mountain man. 

     His greatest love, though, was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He was an ordained minister with the Original Tennessee Association of Primitive Baptist.  He preached the gospel until he was rendered unable by a massive stroke when he was only 47 years old.  Even after the stroke, he never failed to ask when church services were being held – he always wanted to be in the house of the Lord, and he never failed to stand and thank the Lord for saving his soul.  GJ had many physical adversities through the years but credited the Lord with bringing him through many dangers, toils and snares.  He was a humble man.  He loved all of his people dearly, and he never met a stranger.  He taught his children the scripture that he lived by - to have friends you must first show yourself friendly (Provers 18:24).  His life verse was Proverbs 16:7 – When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

          Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Meadow Branch Baptist Church.  Reverends Ricky Boring, Patrick O’Dell, and Rex Allen Sellers will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at Farley Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 till 1:00 pm at the Church prior to the service.

          Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving The Burchfield family.