Philip Lamar Burke

Philip Lamar Burke, 82 of the Old Tallulah Road Community of Robbinsville passed away, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy, NC.

          He was a native of White Co. GA but moved to Robbinsville when he was a small child.  He was the son of the late Henry and Nellie Loggins Burke.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Burke, an infant brother, and his special friends Claude Holloway, Frank Cooper, Jewell Postell, Louie Postell and Ronald Postell.

          Lamar was a Veteran of the United States Army and he retired from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Lamar loved the Mountains and outdoors, He spent much of his time after retirement hiking and gardening.

          To his wife Doris, Lamar was her best friend and the love of her life.  He was a loving husband and devoted father to their 2 children, and he will be greatly missed.

          He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris Matheson Burke; son, Aaron Burke; daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Chris West of all Robbinsville, NC; brother, Vernon Burke of Robbinsville, NC; Step Grandsons, Tyler West, Jordan West, and step great grandson, Caiden West, his Dolly Dog that has been his faithful companion for many years, and his best friend, Mike Carton; several nephews and Great nephews and niece.  He is also survived by his special friends Coot Millsaps, Bobby Johnson, Wallace Matheson, Jimmy Turpin, Vance Jordan, Kenny Postell, and all his coworkers he remained friends with at the NCDOT.

          Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Wiggins Cemetery.  Reverend Grant Burke will officiate.  Due to the risk of exposure to COVID 19, face coverings and social distancing are required for those attending the graveside service. 

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Burke family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.