Bursons

John and Ruth Burson

John and Ruth married in 1947 and have been married for 64 years. They moved to Oxford from Covington in 1951 to purchase a house and to raise their three children here. They enjoy having their four grandchildren visit here. They met when both were working for Southern Bell; Ruth was secretary to the foreman and John was a lineman.

John served in the army during World War II and landed on Omaha Beach toward the end of the first day of the D-Day invasion. He served in Europe guarding prisoners of war. After serving three years in the military, John worked for Southern Bell for 37 years before retiring in 1982. He worked first as a lineman and then as manager in the Engineering Department. John was a founding member of the Oxford Lions Club and has been very active in the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award presented to a volunteer, for his service to the scouts. John served two terms on the Oxford City Council and also served two terms on the Newton County Board of Education. He enjoys working at the church as a Restorer and is also Head of the Evangelism Committee. He has served in every office at the church with the exception of Treasurer. In addition, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Oxford Historical Cemetery Foundation.

Ruth was a stay-at-home mom and, along with John, was able to raise three wonderful children. Besides working for Southern Bell, Ruth was Church Secretary at Allen Memorial, a substitute teacher, and also was secretary at Newton High School. She taught Sunday school at Allen Memorial and has helped with Vacation Bible School. In addition, she has served as President of the Susie B. Stone Circle and is a member of UMW. Her hobbies have included china painting, needlepoint, and playing the piano. She was a charter member of the Amitie Club and has been active in the Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She enjoys traveling with John, especially to Florida.

After 28 years in retirement, John and Ruth are very happy. They thank God they are able to be active in the Church at Allen Memorial, enjoy life, and are still in good health.