Jerry Ray Burke

Jerry Ray Burke, 65, died at Memorial Hospital in Savannah on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

He was born in Savannah, GA. Jerry also worked for the City of Savannah for 38 years. He graduated from Savannah High School in 1973; worked for Effingham Fire Department for 19 years; and was a certified fire fighter and a state certified first responder for the state of Georgia.

Jerry found contentment in watching the Falcons, sitting on the porch with a cigar, and stripping wire. He enjoyed listening to Christian music. Most of all, fishing was a hobby he not only enjoyed but also loved to share with his children.

Mr. Burke is preceded in death by: son, John Ray Burke; brothers, Jimmie Burke and Johnny Burke; sisters, Jan Riggs and Joyce Alderman; and grandchild, Sunshine.

Survivors are: ex-wife of 22 years, Beth Burke; sons, John Underwood (Amanda) of Guyton, Jonathan Burke, and Nathaniel Burke of Springfield; daughters, Elizabeth Burke of Texas and Karen Underwood Spencer (Steve) of Missouri; brothers, Jackie Burke (Linda) of Savannah, Julian Burke of Savannah, and Joe Burke; sister, Judy Burke of Savannah; grandchildren, Stone Underwood, Hayden Underwood, Rachel Spencer, Joey Spencer and Christopher Burke; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; and best friend, Randy Lynn of Hinesville.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 31 from 10 – 11 am at Riggs Funeral Home, with funeral service to follow at 11 am in the Ben Wages Chapel of Riggs Funeral Home. Interment will follow immediately at the Springfield Annex Cemetery in Springfield.

Effingham Firefighters will serve as pallbearers