Rock Hill, SC – Mr. Joseph Neely Burton, 43, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024. Joe was the son of Cynthia Nelson Fowler and the late Ronnie McDowell Burton.
At Joe’s request, there will not be a formal funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Joe received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Winthrop University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He received his Master’s degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. His love for children and education was evident as he served as the Dean of Students at Riverwalk Academy. He also worked as a facilitator with DAC, as well as the Lancaster County Juvenile Drug Court. Joe loved to write in his free time and attend and volunteer with Mad Monster. He also enjoyed traveling and going to concerts. Joe was a member of the York and Scottish Rite. He was a 33rd degree Mason with Masonic Lodge No. 416.
Joe’s heart overflowed with kindness and generosity. He believed in cooperation over competition, and his innate ability to resonate with others’ emotions was nothing short of remarkable.
Joe’s insights into human nature ran deep. He understood the intricate tapestry of feelings that wove people together. Whether through quiet conversations or grand gestures, he sought to uplift those around him. His influence was gentle yet profound, leaving a trail of positivity wherever he walked.
Sensitive to the nuances of emotion, Joe navigated life with care. He wasn’t just a listener; he was a healer. His legacy lies in the countless lives he touched, gently nudging them toward brighter paths. Joe’s heart and mind will forever resonate with the souls he encountered, reminding us that compassion is our greatest gift.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kim Patterson Burton; his mother, Cynthia Nelson Fowler (Ken); his oldest brother, Reverend Larry Edward Richardson (Betty Jo) of Belton, SC; their son, Kurtis Wayne Richardson (April Legail Richardson) and their sons, Barrett Paul (12) and Kolton Wayne (2) of Conway, SC; Larry’s daughter, Brooke Richardson Terry (Evan Pyatt Terry) and their children, Emilee Grace (9) and Wyatt Nathaniel (7) of Conway, SC; and Joe’s middle brother, Ricky Wayne Richardson (Holly Hembree Richardson); and their children, Maggie Grace (19) and Hope Elise (11) of Pawley’s Island. He was preceded in death by his son, Tristan Neely Burton (2009), his father, Ronnie McDowell Burton (1988) and Jimmy Larry Richardson (2014), who raised him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joe’s name to Keystone, 199 S. Herlong Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29732 or NAMI-Piedmont Tri-County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at https://namipiedmont.org.
The following is a passage from Joe –
“I used to loathe dog-earring pages in a book. If I found pages folded back I would quietly scold whomever did it or feel some vandalous guilt if I realized that I was actually the one who did it. Now I don’t seem to mind. In fact, I dog-ear with purpose. Because, I have come to realize this is how I and the next scold who picks up the book will know that I was there. And that I, too, took in those pages. So don’t hesitate to fold that little triangle or dead tree and carve your name in that time and place.”