WILMINGTON — Paul George Burton, 82, passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George William and Helen Ritter Burton; and nephew, Phil William Burton.
Paul was a lifelong resident of the Wilmington area. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1953, where he was a member of the state championship football team and was awarded the sword for being the top ROTC cadet. He graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor of science degree in engineering and was a member of the SAE Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Army for two years.
Paul founded Burton Steel Company in 1974 and ran that successful company for over 35 years. He was very involved in the community, serving on countless boards and volunteer organizations. Just some of the boards he served on include First Union Bank, Cooperative Savings and Loan, State Board of Travel and Tourism, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Fear Country Club and the Committee of 100. He served as past president of the Surf Club, the Cape Fear Men’s Club, the New Hanover County Airport Authority and the North Carolina Azalea Festival.
Paul is survived by his wife, Jane Love Burton; daughter, Ashley Burton Wilson (Wade); grandchildren, Spencer Burton Wilson (Charlotte) and Emily Dianne Wilson; and brothers, Phil Burton (Sue Ann) and Joseph Burton (Brenda); sister, Martha Walton (Robert). His stepchildren and grandchildren with Jane are Jane Hughes (Hannah Ellisen, Louise Ellisen); Winder Hughes (wife, Patti, and children, Madison, Halle and Grace); Nelson Hughes (wife, Leigh, and children, Nelson and Hollerman); Thaddeus Hughes (children, Thad and Chase). He is also survived by his nieces, Georgianna Burton, Lindsey Burton, Shelby Miller (Greg); nephews, Robert Walton (Petra) and Richard Walton (Holly); and dedicated companions, Vernell Robinson and Jeremiah Lewis, who diligently took Paul to his office “barn” right up until the day before his death.
A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, July 6, at First Presbyterian Church followed by a reception at the Cape Fear Men’s Club. There will be a graveside service conducted for family and close friends at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, at Oakdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to Friends of Felines, Canines for Service or First Presbyterian Church.
Share online condolences with the family at andrewsmortuary.com.
