After years of a courageous fight against leukemia (AML), Warren Burwell passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024. He spent more than 52 years married to the love of his life, Dorothy Byrd Burwell, originally of Gabbettville, GA. He lived a life of wonder and joy and managed to keep a smile on his face to the very end.
Warren came to UGA in 1969, met Dorothy, and never looked back. Though he grew up in the hubbub of the city (Atlanta, GA) and his bride grew up in the rural farming area of middle Georgia, they found the space to make a new life together in the cozy town of Athens. They met at a birthday party at Myers Hall and wed in 1971. The decades after were filled with joyful memories of raising their family of five children.
Warren's life was a testament to his love and care for others. He spent 25 years teaching middle school in the Athens area, leaving his signature good humor on the world. He had this magical way of bringing sunlight into the lives of his friends, clients, students, fellow teachers, church family, neighbors, and his beloved team of doctors.
You see, Warren always made people feel seen, heard and appreciated. The circle of people who knew his big heart is wider than he even knew, and Athens is, perhaps, a little less joyful with his passing.
Warren leaves behind a family that misses him dearly: Dorothy Burwell, Jeff (Nygel) Burwell, Leigh Smith, Anne (Crayton) Metcalf, Allison (Paul) Strawser, Michael (Colleen) Burwell; his nine grandchildren (Michael, Taylor, Brendan (Caitlyn), Devan, Eva, Jackson, Knowlton, Cohen & Maisie); his two great-grandchildren (Ryland & Ellerie), and all six of his surviving "granddogs": Roxie, Max, Milo, Dory, Ozil & Bodhi.
The family will host a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM. For more details, please go to www.Athens365.com.
