MSg. Retired Stanley Malcolm Burnham, 87, of Dallas, North Carolina passed away suddenly from an automobile accident Jan. 4, 2023 in Lincolnton, North Carolina.

He was born in South Bristol, Maine on Dec. 31, 1935 and the family moved to East Boothbay in 1946. He was a 1954 graduate of Boothbay Harbor High School. He was the son of the late Lester and Louise Rice Burnham. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Parker, Sheldon and Beverly Burnham, brother-in-law Gerald “Hubby” Winchenbach.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving over 20+ years. He, along with brother Sheldon and several classmates, were in the Navy reserves during high school. Once graduated, he joined the Army. Part of his work was flying over Russia in U2 spy plane. Stanley also retired from the U.S. Postal Service with over 21 years. He enjoyed the Boston Red Sox and was an avid NASCAR fan, attending many races each year. Most of all, he and his wife, Toni enjoyed traveling and camping in their motor home. He also enjoyed working in his yard and keeping it well groomed. He loved returning to Boothbay to reconnect with family and former classmates. For several summers he worked at Shore Hills Campground.

Stanley is survived by his devoted and loving wife of almost 66 years, Toni Cline Burnham; his sons, Kelly Burnham and wife Helene, Scott Burnham and wife Tina, and Mark Burnham and wife Sandi; grandchildren, Jennifer Grant and husband Raymond, Stephanie Burnham, Megan Burnham, and Sean Burnham; brothers, Douglas and his wife Doris of Boothbay and Cecil of South Bristol; sister Maude of Rockland; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with Reverend Jim Loftis officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park with Military Honors by the U.S. Army and the Gaston County Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Rankin Lake Baptist Church, 2705 Gastonia Dallas Hwy, Dallas, NC  28034.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com 

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.