Richard “Dick” Burnside passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 2, 2022. He was 85 years old.
Dick graduated from Morgantown High School in 1954, and attended West Virginia University afterward, where he joined the ROTC. In 1956, Dick joined the Army and gave credit to his recruiting sergeant (Sergeant Metheney) for suggesting that he enlist in Airbourne and OCS. In the fall of 1956, Dick was accepted into the 82nd Airbourne division. As a private, he was soon admitted into the 18th Airbourne NCO school. Upon graduating from NCO school, he was admitted into OCS (U.S. Army Infantry) and proudly graduated in class 58-2 in 1958. After active duty, Dick served six years in the Army Reserves, the bulk of which was with special forces.
Dick married Gracie Grubb in 1959 and together they developed several small businesses which were all automobile related. (Burnside’s Amaco, Burnside’s Radiator Shop, Burnside’s Auto Clinic and Burnside’s Auto Salvage). When Dick and Grace retired in 2012, they had worked together for 53 years and five weeks.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Ressie Burnside. He is survived by his wife, Grace Burnside; daughter, Joy Maine and her husband Mark; and granddaughter, Ashley Maine.
To honor Dick’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life scheduled at a later date.
McCulla Funeral Home will provide cremation services.
Condolences:
www.mcculla.com
