Walter Franklin Burns, 67, a lifelong resident of the New Zion Community in Athens, died Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville A native of Etowah, he was a son of the late Frank and Jewel Burns. He was retired from CSX Railroad and was a member of New Zion Baptist Church. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Burns; one daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and William Carpenter; one son and daughter-in-law, David and Jennifer Burns; two grandchildren, Brandon Carpenter and Madison Burns; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Aggie Eaton, Betty and James Buchanan and Eddie Mae and Jack Barnett; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ribe and Alice Burns and Lloyd and Clovia Burns. Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Tuesday in the South Chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Wednesday and will proceed to New Zion Cemetery for the 11 a.m. burial. Family members will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah in charge of arrangements.