AIKEN – James Norman Burleson, Sr., 84, beloved husband of Varyene Burleson, died Thursday, July 26, 2012.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 30, at 2:00 PM at Redds Branch Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Hanna officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors.

Born in Decatur, Alabama, James was a son of the late Pearl Waddell and Arthur S. Burleson. James joined the U.S. Navy at 16 and served aboard the U.S.S. Dixie during WWII. After returning to the states, James joined the Army National Guard and served for 23 years. James moved to Aiken in 1952 and went to work at the Savannah River Plant E.I. DuPont. James retired from the plant after 37 years. James also loved to bowl and was a member of Aiken Co. Bowling Hall of Fame. He qualified twice for the Senior Professional Bowling Tournament. James was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors in addition to his wife include a daughter Susan (Tilden) Hilderbrand, Wagener, SC; sons, Gary (Betty) Burleson, Myrtle Beach, SC, James (Candy) Burleson, Jr., Aiken, Thaddeus (Rhonda) Burleson, Windsor, SC, Ralph (Hazel) Burleson, Beech Island, SC, Richard (Diana) Burleson, Yadkinville, NC; 20 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren; and a sister Libby Birdwell of Decatur, AL.

Mr. Burleson was preceded in death by a brother Douglas Burleson and a grandson, Steven Burleson.

Memorials may be directed to the Friends of the Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802

The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM Sunday at Shellhouse Funeral Home.

Mr. Burleson’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC