Charley Burley

Charley, affectionately known as "Doc" Burley, age 92, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on October 13, 2013, at home with his daughters by his side after an extended illness. Charley was born on June 7, 1921 in Quitman, Mississippi to John Burley and Mary Edwards. Charley was a man of great faith. He was known for his ministry of singing, healing, and praying. Charley loved music. He was a member of several quartet singing groups. In 1959, he started a singing group known as the "Rising Stars of Columbus Mississippi". Charley was a talented tenor but would fill in as a baritone or other parts if needed. Charley was a very humble and generous individual that was known for his spirit of giving. He considered anything that was not church related as "folly". Charley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend who loved his family. Charley joined the Army in 1942, serving as a "Rigger". He served and fought in several battles including, the Battle of Bismarck, Archipelago Battle at New Guinea, Northern Solomons and South Pacific. In 1946, Charley received an honorable discharge from the Army. He was the recipient of several medals; ATO Medal, APTO Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After separating from the Army, he married the late Aollar Lockhart and made their home in Columbus, Mississippi. While living in Mississippi, Charley was a devout member of Friendship Baptist Church. In 2006, he relocated to Dover, Delaware to live with his daughter Rene and son-in-law, Charles McDonald. Charley attended the Pentecostals of Dover, Delaware until his illness. He was loved by his church family. Charley was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Oscar Lorenzo, Edward and Robert; two sisters, Jenny Lee and Paralee and great- granddaughter, Kayla McDonald. He leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Dorothy Rene McDonald (Charles) of Dover, DE and Glera Ellebie (Thomas) of Rochester, New York; grandchildren, Charles Stephen McDonald (Nicole) of Hampton, VA, Jillaine Smith (Andrew) of Okinawa, Japan, Mark Edward McDonald of Newport News, VA, Rya Lipton (Toussaint) of Rochester New York and Thomas Ellebie IV of Laguna Beach, CA.; great grandchildren, Corrin, Lauren, Jaelyne, Adriana, Toussaint II, Nadaya, Thomas IV and Keenan; and host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Charley Burley

June 7, 1921 - October 13, 2013