Charles Edward Burford, Sr., was born in Birmingham, AL, on March 19, 1921, and grew up in French Camp, MS. He passed away in Baton Rouge, LA on Sunday, June 5, 2016, with his son by his side.

As a junior at French Camp Academy, Charles received a scholarship medal for having the highest grade point average for the entire Academy in 1937. This medal remained a prized possession of his, and it is his desire that it be returned to French Camp to be housed in their museum. At his graduation in 1938, he was the valedictorian of his class.

Following graduation from French Camp Academy in 1938, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps for a year, then enlisted in the Merchant Marines. He resigned from the Merchant Marines following two years of service because of a feeling of doom prior to boarding the S.S. John Bidwell . The ship sank less than a day out of port and lost all hands on board. He then enlisted in the Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corps. His three and one half years of service overseas during WWII was in England, and later in Germany, where he met and married the love of his life, Christine Jalowiecki. Their daughter, Doris Barbara Burford was born while they were still in Germany, and their son, Charles Edward Burford, Jr., was born in Alabama shortly after their return to the states.

During his career, which found him as a member of the Air Force at its very inception, he also served in Selma, AL; Orlando, FL; Fort Walton Beach, FL; Alaska and the Philippines. He received numerous commendations throughout his career.

Following his Air Force career, Charles Edward Burford, Sr., worked as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for seventeen years until heart surgery forced his retirement for a second time.

He was a kind man with a big heart and a mind that remained sharp for his entire life, thus allowing him to excel in two careers. He appreciated anything anyone did for him, and was always ready with a "thank you."

He is preceded in death by his parents, four siblings and his beloved wife Christine, to whom he was married to for 63 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Doris Kitchens Steele and her husband Homer of Milton, FL; his son, Charles Edward Burford, Jr., and his wife Cheryl of Baton Rouge, LA; three grand-children and six great grand children.

Visitation will begin at 10:30am until the Funeral Service at 11:30am Monday, June 13, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel with Rev. Ken Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family would much appreciate a donation to French Camp Academy, a place that remained close to his heart for his entire life. If anyone wishes, donations may be made to French Camp Academy in his memory, One Fine Place,French Camp, MS 39745.