Charles Burleson Obituary

Charles Rodney Burleson II October 2, 1961- July 29, 2024 ELIZABETHTON - Charles Rodney Burleson II of Elizabethton, TN passed away on July 29, 2024, at the age of 62. Chuck was born in Whittier, California on October 2, 1961. His family relocated to the east coast and eventually settled in Sandbridge in Virginia Beach, VA in 1975 where he spent his formative years.

He attended Floyd E. Kellam High School and in 1980 he began his photography career and eventually opened his own photography studio, Burlo Photo, where he was a successful fashion, wedding, and family photographer. More recently, he worked as an Assistant Service Manager for Friendship Ford in Bristol, TN.

Chuck, also known as "Burlo" or "Roo Roo" to those who knew him well, was a genuine friend and family guy whose wit and charm won over everyone. He loved telling his dad jokes and lived to make people recognize the joy in life. He had an infectious laugh that was impossible to resist and was famous for assigning nicknames to friends that perfectly suited their personality. He was an ardent fan of the Atlanta Falcons, the UNC Tarheels, the Atlanta Braves, Southern Rock (especially Lynyrd Skynyrd), his signature checkerboard Vans slip-ons, his motorcycle "Pearl" and his Ford truck "Muffin." Chuck always called Sandbridge home and formed many lasting friendships that endure to this day.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Rodney Burleson, Grandparents Ida Burleson, Gaylord "Shorty" Burleson, and Rachel Williams; his uncles, George McFalls, and Robert Moore; his aunt, Gladys Moore; his cousin Jamie Shane Moore and his close friend, Brent Waid Cole.

He Leaves behind beloved family and friends including his son, Charles "CJ" Rodney Burleson, III, his mother Edna Mae Burleson, his sisters Andrea Lee Wallace (Michael) and Jessica Elizabeth Bailey; his nieces, Bianka Leeanne Masters , Joesi Alexandrea Cooperman, Chloe Madison Wallace and Olivia Edan Nicolas; his nephews Joshua Wayne Bailey and Wesley Michael Bailey; his aunt, Ila Gail McFalls, and his cousins David McFalls, Gene McFalls, John McFalls, Angela Moore, Amanda Loveless and Robert Moore Jr along with numerous friends he thought of as family including Scott Helstrom, Scot Beach and Scott Labiak of Virginia Beach and Mike Amann of Flagler Beach.

Tetrick Funeral Home in Elizabethton, is assisting the family with services. A memorial service at Tetrick Funeral Home is scheduled for Sunday, August 4th at 3:00 pm (211 N. Riverside Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643). A Celebration of Life will be held in Sandbridge Beach on a date yet to be determined.