On August 9, 2016, another prominent member of the MCHS Class of ’57 passed away in Scottsboro. He was Jonathan Orr Burleson, who died at his current residence in Scottsboro. The foregoing only touch on highlights in Mr. Burleson’s life. It would be impossible in the space available to point out all of his fine qualities.

April 12, 1929—J. O. Burleson died. He is survived by his wife, seven sons, and four daughters. (Mr. Jon Orr Burleson I was grandfather to Jon Orr Burleson III.)

March 16, 1939—Another new Burleson boy has made his appearance. Jonathan Orr Burleson arrived today at Decatur General Hospital.

Sept. 15, 1945—His mother, Dolly, brought her little boy “Bubba” to the Hartselle Elementary School to enroll in the first grade. (Later the school would be renamed for Jon’s distinguished uncle, F. E. Burleson.)

May 12, 1949—A group of the Cub scouts enjoyed a picnic with their den mother, Mrs. Opal Stewart, on Saturday morning when they went out to Parker’s Pasture for breakfast. The boys reported a wonderful time. The Cub scouts in Mrs. Stewart’s den are Joe Yancey Puckett, Jonathan Orr Burleson, Bud Gibson, Karl Estes, Arthur David Buckalew, Charles Baggett, Kenneth Johnson, and Bill Stewart, Jr.

June 16, 1949–Mr. F. E. Burleson and nephew, Jon Orr Burleson, are spending this week in Cincinnati attending some of the major league ball games. Mrs. F. E. Burleson has gone to Florida for the week.

Sept. 15, 1951—Along with the rest of his classmates, Bubba Burleson made the transition from elementary to high school today. (At that time Hartselle had no junior high school.)

Sept 12, 1956—The MCHS Tigers today climaxed approximately three weeks of practice as they hurriedly prepared to face Tanner in the opening game of the season. The official probable lineup has not been announced but it appeared the following boys would constitute the backfield: QB-Brownie Dean, LH-Jon Orr Burleson, RH-Pat Wallace, and FB-Karl Estes.

May 27, 1957—Jon “Bubba” Burleson was one of 75 MCHS seniors who received their graduation diplomas tonight in Riddle Gym on the school campus.

July 17, 1957—Jon Orr Burleson has decided to put his country before his own personal ambitions. After basic training, Mr. Burleson served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force in several different posts, most notably in Africa.

July 16, 1963—Jon Burleson is honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after six years of distinguished service.

Sept. 1, 1963—Jon Burleson is finding no problem finding gainful employment now that he is a civilian. Due his extensive military experience in business administration, Mr. Burleson has his choice among hospitals to be their business manager. (The last full-time employment he had was as business manager for Jackson County Hospital in Scottsboro. This hospital is now known as Highlands Hospital.)

Nov. 7, 1964—About a year and a half after leaving the military, Jon Burleson is a new father. A boy, whom his parents have named Jonathan Orr Burleson IV, made his appearance in the Burleson household today.

Aug. 25, 1966—Almost exactly 50 years ago another son was born in the home of Jon Burleson. This boy was named Charles Bryant Burleson.

Dec. 26, 1979—What a wonderful Christmas present blessed the Jon and Paulette Burleson home today (even if only a delayed by a day). Their beautiful new baby girl Mr. and Mrs. Burleson have named Mary Elizabeth Burleson.

March 15, 2005—Jon Burleson is enjoying his retirement after a long period of full-time employment. In the fall of the year, there is no more avid Crimson Tide football fan than Jon while at the present time he is contemplating what he will plant in the garden in which he justifiably takes great pride each year.

Aug. 9, 2016—Jon Orr Burleson passed away at his Scottsboro residence. (Funeral were conducted at Scottsboro Funeral Home Chapel on August 13.)

(The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Franklin Penn in the production of this column. Without his help it would not have been possible.)