Burcham, Cecil Wayne

Surrounded by his loving family, Cecil Wayne Burcham, 73, of Draper, went to be with our Lord on Monday, July 9, 2012, having fought a courageous 20 year battle with cancer. Wayne was born on March 20, 1939, in Carroll County, to the late Hampton Rush and Flora Elizabeth Burcham, and is also preceded in death by his sister, Hattie Ruth Fayne.

Wayne served in the United States Army, in Company B, 3rd medical battalion from 1957 to 1959, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. A career businessman in banking, finance and later, insurance, he retired from his own insurance agency in 1992. He was a member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church-Family Worship Center where he and his wife attended for over 40 years.

Continuing with life by the strength of our Lord and with the cherished memories of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, is his loving and devoted wife and best friend of 48 years, Druscilla ‘Dru” Burcham, of whom Wayne often said, “God put us together;” daughter, Deborah Burcham Wolfe and son-in-law, Ron, of Melbourne, Fla.; son, Gregory Wayne Burcham and daughter-in-law, Julie, of Greensboro, N.C.; and “Pawpaw’s Buddies”-the joy of his life, grandsons, Austin Wayne Wolfe, Ayden Rush Burcham and Cameron Arlen Wolfe. He had a special relationship with his dear mother-in-law, Donna Williams, of Wytheville; brothers-in-law, Jay Jones and Danny Jones; and brother-in-law, Bobby Jones and his wife, Mavis, who have been there for Wayne and Dru throughout this difficult time. He was loved by numerous nieces, nephews and especially his paternal cousins.

Wayne loved being at home and the outdoors more than anywhere….enjoying the horses, chickens, watching the birds, deer, fishing and hunting; simple nature. Being a master gardener, he took immense joy and care in his flowers, landscaping and gardening. Being an artist, he painted many beautiful paintings including murals in church nurseries and personal paintings for his wife, children and grandchildren. Being a singer, he loved gospel music and in earlier years, was baritone for a gospel quartet. He loved and enjoyed his family…he loved LIFE!

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful nurses and staff of Carilion Hospice and New River Valley Medical Center who’s compassionate and respectful care made his final journey one of comfort and peace, and to our church family for cards, prayers, phone calls, meals, etc., during our time of need.

Viewing was held on Wednesday evening, July 11, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, 2012, at the Stevens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gerald Meeks and the Rev. C.R. Connor officiating. Graveside Service will follow at the Pentecostal Holiness Conference Headquarters Cemetery. The Pulaski VFW Post #1184 will be conducting Military Rites at graveside.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski, Va., 540-980-2600.