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Tolman “Tolbug” Lee Burns, 62, of Swannanoa, passed into Eternal Glory to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the Solace Center after a long, courageous battle with ALS and cancer.
Mr. Burns was born November 2, 1955 in Oneida, KY to the late Perry and Ruby Hornsby Burns.
Lee worked for Beacon Mfg. for 25 years and Ingles Warehouse for 17 years. He was a volunteer for the Swannanoa Valley Fire Department for 10 years, Sunday School Superintendent and an usher at Swannanoa Free Will Baptist Church where he was a member. He was able to accomplish a majority of his “bucket list” especially his trip to Alaska. He loved life and embraced it. Lee had an infectious, sweet smile and loved his children and grandchildren. He attended their ballgames and school functions as much as possible.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
Mr. Burns is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pamela Yates Burns; sons, Eric Burns (Greta) of Candler, Jeremy Rusher (Amanda) of Easley, SC, and Joshua Rusher (Misty) of Pickens, SC; sisters, Charlotte Collins (Del) of Black Mountain and Beatrice Abner of Hamilton, OH; brothers, Jerry Burns (Rita) of Vero Beach, FL and William Burns of Brevard; grandchildren whom he adored, Caroline Childers (Kyle) of Clyde, Blake and Maddie Burns, Austin, Emily, Taylor, and Jacob Rusher; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, David and Beth Mayton.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 2:30pm at Swannanoa Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Ward and Rev. Bobby Shehan officiating. Burial will be in Mountain View Memorial park.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:30pm at the church prior to the service time.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to ALS Association, www.alsa.org or 1275 K St. NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005 or American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park #1, Asheville, NC 28803.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to CarePartners Hospice, especially his nurse, Denise, The ALS Clinic and Dr. Caress.

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