David Thomas "Dave" Burleson

BURLESON, DAVID THOMAS "DAVE" - age 77, of Knoxville, born March 18, 1934, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012, in Ft. Myers, Florida. Dave graduated from the University of Tennessee and following his graduation, he began a distinguished career as a homebuilder and developer in the East Tennessee area, with the Landmark Golf Course at Avalon being his most beloved project. Dave's many accomplishments include being President of the Home Builders Association of Tennessee in 1981 and a Former Builder of the Year as well as one of the first to be inducted into the Housing Hall of Fame in 1994. Dave served on the Leadership of the National Association of Home Builders and was awarded "Life Director" status. He continued his active service to the NAHB Board through the 2011 Leadership Year as a Senior Life Director. Dave served multiple terms as a National Vice President, Executive Board Member and as a contributing member to numerous NAHB Committees, including a term as Chair of the NAHB State and Local Government Affairs Committee in 1994. Being a philanthropist at heart, he was involved with the National Housing Endowment and many local charities. Dave was passionate about boating and golf, spending much of his time in SW Florida as a resident and member of Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Gladys Burleson, and brothers Jack Burleson and Howard Burleson. He is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Brooks Burleson; son and daughter-in-law, Gary & Julienne Burleson of Knoxville; daughter, Sherron D. Burleson of Jupiter, Florida; granddaughter and spouse, Chelsea Burleson Foster and husband Pierre of Naples, Florida; grandson, John David (JD) Burleson of Knoxville; grandson Alex Wyrick of Jupiter, Florida and granddaughter Laura Wyrick of Orlando, Florida; great grandchildren, Ethan David Foster of Naples, Florida and Lily Johnson of Knoxville; goddaughter, Lisa Reed of Knoxville and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel with a Celebration of Life service following at 7:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet Tuesday at 10:45 am at the main entrance of Highland Memorial Cemetery for an 11:00 am graveside service with Full Military Honors. Online condolences may be made at www.rosemortuary.com. Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

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David Thomas "Dave" Burleson

March 18, 1934 - January 18, 2012