Obituary of George Dennis Burr

George Dennis Burr, 84, of Cottontown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Tristar Hendersonville in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

George was born November 19, 1939 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of Lauren R, Burr and Jenness (Mayes) Burr. On June 17, 1962 he married Clare Ellen Bradshaw in La Harpe, Illinois.

George graduated from La Harpe High School in 1957 and was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University in 1961, with a degree in music. He went on to obtain a master’s degree there in 1962. George served in the U.S. Navy from 1962-1966 as a USMU2 (Musician).

George’s love of music was lifelong, with his passion being the pipe organ. In the 1970’s, George pursued a career in Computer Science, receiving a further degree which allowed him to use his love of math and problem solving into working in the defense industry and contracting with the U.S. government. He and his wife, Clare were Co-Organists at various churches they attended while living in California, serving over 40 years.

George enjoyed designing many pieces of stained-glass windows, cabinets, and clocks alongside his father, Lauren and older brother Harley W. Burr. George and Clare enjoyed their retirement home, surrounded by peace and beauty, which they designed and built in Cottontown, Tennessee. Their fellowship with Beech Cumberland Presbyterian and their love of family gatherings brought many years of happiness and fulfillment.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Lauren and Jane Burr; grandson, Lee Thomas Castrejon; brothers, Harley Burr, Robert Burr, and Alan Burr.

Survivors include five children: Rachel (Kevin) Burke of Stahlstown, PA, Christopher (Nora) Burr of Thousand Oaks, CA, Nicholas (Holly) Burr of Cottontown, TN, Kathryn (Yasushi) Shimano of Phoenix, AZ, Joshua (Desiree) Burr of Sanford, FL; 14 grandchildren, Sean, Cory, Brendan, Andrew, Maya, Erika, Noah, Alyssa, Kyle, Kenji, Kaiya, Saige, Abigail, and Aaron; 4 great grandchildren; Ava, Troy, Kasen and Kit.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, December 12^th at 2:00 PM at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3216 Long Hollow Pike, Hendersonville, TN with Pastor Jeff DeWees officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday, December 12^th at the church from 12:30 PM until time of service at 2:00 PM.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Hendersonville, 108 Monthaven Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075. (615)265-8535, obit line (615)758-8818. Online condolences can now be made at www.sellarsfh.com.