CARROLLTON — The Rev. Orville Hargis “O.H.” Burton Jr., passed from this life into his next, Thursday, May 4, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer.  O.H. was born in Salisbury, Md. and was the son of Jeanne Scott Burton and the late Orville Burton Sr. Proud of his heritage, O.H. grew up on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.  

O.H. was trained as a diesel mechanic and was particularly passionate about racing and cars in general.  Upon accepting the call to ministry, O.H. pursued and completed his studies at Virginia Wesleyan College and Drew University.  While in seminary, O.H. served churches in New York City and Jersey City, New Jersey.

As an ordained minister of United Methodist Church, O.H. had served churches in the Virginia Conference for the past 32 years.  O.H. was most recently the pastor of Benn’s United Methodist Church, Smithfield.

A man of love and devotion to family and the congregations he pastured, O.H. leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 29 years, Mary Carson Burton; his children, Layel Burton, and his wife, Lacy; and Lynley Burton.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate O.H.’s life, Tuesday, May 16, 11 a.m. at Downings United Methodist Church in Oak Hall, with the Rev. Bertina Westley and the Rev. Seonyoung Kim officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service.  A private burial will take place in Downings Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to O.H.’s memory to Downings UMC. 7291 US-13, PO Box 177, Oak Hall, VA  23416.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 14214 Carrollton Blvd. Carrollton, VA.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.