John Alan Burch

John Alan Burch, 60, of Stanardsville passed away Thursday, April 17, 2008 at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

A son of the late Samuel G. Burch and Catherine Cantrell Burch, he was born February 25, 1948 in Farmville, Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Burch Gilbert; and his mother-in-law, Lillian G. Dollman.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Charlene Dollman Burch; a son, Matthew Scott Burch; two brothers, Samuel G. Burch, Jr. and his wife Janice of Lexington, S.C., Rev. David M. Burch and his wife, Valerie of Mt. Sidney, Va; a father-in-law, Charles W. Dollman of Roanoke, Va.; a sister-in-law, Betty D. Hall of Vinton, Va. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Burch was an educator in the Greene County Public Schools for 29 years. He was a highly-successful and respected coach in a variety of sports, including boys' JV basketball and football, varsity girls' basketball and softball. He also served as an assistant coach in the boys' varsity basketball program which won two consecutive state titles in 1994 and 1995. Coach Burch viewed sports as a vehicle to impart to his players enduring values for living--values of commitment, character
and perseverance--and this was his greatest legacy.

A dedicated member of Greene Hills Country Club, Mr. Burch was an avid golfer. Upon retirement, he also discovered a newfound love of gardening. He was a loyal friend to many throughout the greater Greene County community.