David Gene Burnham Dec 14, 1945 — Oct 16, 2026

David Gene Burnham, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on October 16, 2026, after succumbing to a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. A member of Dalton High School’s class of 1964, David spent most of his life as a Christian musician and songwriter, using his talents in several venues, often performing special music at Allen Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Luthersville, GA. He played acoustic and electric guitars and harmonica. David was a former specialist 5 in the United States Army Security Agency where he received the National Defense Service Medal. During the Vietnam War era, his assignments took him to Germany, Turkey, and Spain. He also worked as a surveyor at Dalton Utilities. He was an avid fan of car racing, especially Formula One Racing, and a loyal supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. In his youth, he was an excellent baseball player, earning the best home run record on his team. He had a deep love for cats, rescuing and raising many in his lifetime.

 He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Annelle Burnham, and father, D.F. Burnham of Dalton. He is survived by his brother, Michael Burnham of Decatur and sister, Linda Yawn (Henry) of Nashville, GA. Special nieces are Barbara Lee (Bill), Karen Burnham, Katy Fullum (Joel), Marya Lewis (Travis), Audra Partin (Rhett), Jodi Hepler (Kent), and Kasey Towson, and a nephew, Michael Joel Burnham. The family offers special thanks to Dr. Wiley Smith of Grace Ministries and to David’s loyal caregivers: Shirley Davenport, Jonah Berry, Maurice Strickland, Neil Brown, Penny and Robert Leatherwood, Penny Jackson, and Cierra and Dutchess Chaney. Also, the family expresses a deep appreciation to Pruitt Hospice and to the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance program.

 A private graveside service is planned