Harlan L. Burdeshaw

Harlan L. Burdeshaw (1935-2023)

Augusta, GA - Harlan L. Burdeshaw, 88, entered into eternal rest and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, 15 June 2023.

Harlan was born in Donalsonville, Georgia. He had an early love for big screen movies and the cinema. He quickly found a way to satisfy this affection and started working in a movie theater at the very young age of 13. His last theater job was in 1994, so he had vast stories to tell about the many movies he saw and the advancements in cinematic technology he witnessed through all those years. He enjoyed proudly describing that in his youth, he could get a ticket, popcorn and a drink for only .25 cents to see a full length movie.

In 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army and faithfully served our nation for over 23 years. His military tours and deployments took him to numerous continental states such as South Carolina, Kansas, Georgia and also to various overseas locations such as Vietnam, Germany, Japan, and Korea. His military awards and decorations include the Army Occupation Medal-Berlin, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal (5 campaigns), the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Harlan never met a stranger and always had a big smile to share. He had a sweet, humorous disposition and could talk to anyone. He was an active member of Abilene Baptist Church (ABC) and faithfully attended Buddy Blitch's Bible Fellowship Class on Sundays. He volunteered often with the children's activities in the Christian Life Center and frequently worked with the ushers for events in the sanctuary. He loved the Lord with all his mind, heart and soul.

Harlan was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Chi N. Burdeshaw, for over 55 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Lillian, his brother, Harold, his son, Russell and his son-in-law, Scott Johnson. Surviving family members, in addition to Chi, include his children Kim (Joseph Yanosick), Ann, Jim (Lori), Taylor (Michelle), and his brothers, Larry and Ray. Harlan also has 13 wonderful grandchildren and 9 amazing great-grandchildren that he loves dearly.

A service with military honors will be held on Monday, 19 June 2023 at 2:00 pm in the Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. The Reverend William (Bill) F. Harrell will officiate. Hillcrest Memorial Park is located at 2700 Deans Bridge Road, Augusta GA 30906 (706) 790-1185. A reception hosted by his church family will be held afterwards at 4:00 pm in the Abilene Baptist Church Social Hall. Please enter through the rear of the church on Roberts Road.

In recognition of Harlan's undeniable love for his church family and the compassionate care provided by the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home (GWVNH), the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations and gifts be made in his memory to Abilene Baptist Church, 3917 Washington Road, Martinez, GA 30907 (706-869-1774) or the GWVNH - Residents Benevolence Fund, 1101 15th Street, Augusta GA 30901 (706-721-2824).

A heartfelt thanks to Gayle Hooper, the ABC Benevolence Committee, SFC J. Hernandez, Mike Manning, Jeff Ballinger and Todd William's Sunday School Class, for their assistance, patience and support in helping the family. Special appreciation and the utmost of gratitude to Dr. Richard Sams II and the staff at GWVNH who provided careful and compassionate care to Harlan while he was a resident.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907.
Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com