11/4/2015
Norman L. “Spider” Burke
CHAPEL HILL — Mr. Norman L. “Spider” Burke, 87, of Brookdale Meadowmont in Chapel Hill, NC, died at 6 a.m. Monday, November 2, 2015, after two weeks of declining health.
A native of Burlington, NC, he was the husband of more than 55 years to the late Lois Haney Burke and the son of C. W. “Bunk” Burke and Flora Nicks Burke, both deceased. He was a charter member and deacon of Beverly Hills United Church of Christ in Burlington. Along with his father and brother, Hugh “Buck” Burke, he operated Burke Auto Repair on Anthony Street where he eventually became owner and sole proprietor. He served as a past president of the Independent Garage Owners of North Carolina and taught automotive classes part-time at Alamance Community College after his retirement.
“Spider” was a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and businessman. He is survived by two daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Burke and Patti Sue Burke of Durham and a grandson, Andrew Burke Foster of Wilmington. He was a devoted brother to his three surviving brothers, Hilton Burke, Robert Burke and Raymond Burke.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Dora Ann Butler, Alice Sutton, Ethel Langley, Valeria Matherly, and Betsy Watkins; and brothers, Carl “Bunk” Burke, Wallace Burke and Hugh “Buck” Burke. He will also be missed by many friends in Burlington, Chapel Hill and Durham.
A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at the Rich & Thompson Chapel in Burlington with Duke Hospice Chaplain Tom Hehenberger presiding. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. immediately prior to the service. Burial will follow at Alamance Memorial Park.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Durham, and for the majority of the last decade, Brookdale Meadowmont for their care and support. Norman knew and loved these residences as his home and grew to accept his caretakers as family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Duke HomeCare & Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Drive #101, Durham, NC 27704. The family is indebted to the staff for providing unparalled support for the past week.
Condolences may be offered at
www.richandthompson.com.
3, Norman L. “Spider” Burke