Gerald "Jerry" Ryo Burney was born in Marked Tree, Arkansas in 1942. He was
raised by his mother Marie, a homemaker, and father David Burney, who was a
successful farmer. He had two brothers, both his junior, Keith and Gary. He
graduated from Marked Tree High School in 1959 and joined the U. S. Navy where
he went to Photo School in Pensacola, Florida. Jerry was assigned to the U.S.S.
Roosevelt Aircraft Carrier where he served as a Navy Photographer for two years.
Jerry moved to Muncie, Indiana after leaving the Navy where he began a 34-year
career at the Muncie Star and Press, where he became Chief Photographer which is a
role he maintained for most of this working life. In 1981, he married Rhonda Boyd
and they had just celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary this year. In 1985,
Jerry and his brother, Gary, founded the stereo store Great Sounds, which operated
successfully in Muncie until August, 2013. Retiring at that time, Jerry and Rhonda
moved to Fishers, Indiana. After his diagnosis, Jerry fought a valiant battle against
his cancer for almost a year. He is survived by his wife Rhonda Burney, Fishers, IN;
daughter, Laura Burney Nissen, (husband Don), granddaughter Hannah Nissen,
Portland, Oregon; brother Gary Burney (wife Zaneda) Muncie and several nieces and
nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Marie, father David and brother,
Keith Burney, all from Harrisburg, Arkansas.
Jerry had a great love of family, travel, photography (especially using digital
photography techniques). He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father and
grandfather. His time on earth was filled with laughter, adventures, hard work,
love, and a well-lived life. He will be forever in our hearts.
Memorial contributions can be made to D&R Rescue, 21336 E. Terre Haute Road,
Paris, Illinois 61944 (TID) 35-2005670
Services will be held at 11 A.M., Monday 08/18/14 at Garden View Funeral Home,
10501 North State Road 3, Muncie, Indiana 47303. Burial will follow immediately at
Gardens of Memory Cemetery adjacent to Garden View. There will be a private
viewing for immediate family only prior to the service at 9:30 A.M.