Obituary for Ernest "Ernie" Dean Burns
After a life of faithful service to Christ, Ernest "Ernie" Dean Burns, age 57, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on October 5, 2025, while surrounded by family at home.

Ernie was born on December 14, 1967, at Magnolia Hospital in Magnolia, Arkansas, to the late Jimmy and Bobbie Burns. The youngest son of five siblings—Keith, Tony, Eric, Ernie, and Patty—he grew up in Emerson, Arkansas, a small town known for tiller races, purple hull peas, and good folks. His family attended First Baptist Church, where Ernie fell in love with Jesus and was baptized at age 14.

From a young age, Ernie learned guitar from his father, an avid bluegrass musician, beginning his lifelong love for music. He played basketball for the Emerson Pirates, graduating in 1986 with a class of nearly 30 close-knit friends. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as an Information Systems Operator at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, until his honorable discharge in March 1990. A loyal San Antonio Spurs fan from that season of life, he was also known to dominate his sons in games of backyard basketball—though they might dispute the record, Ernie maintained he was undefeated.

Ernie worked as a truck driver and in material handling, serving with C&K, BEI, Coca-Cola, General Dynamics, and even a season of self-employment as a dump truck driver. Hard work and steady faithfulness marked his career and his character alike.

The greatest joy of Ernie's life was marrying Amy, his bride, on January 27, 1995. Together they built a family rooted in hard work, good music, and love for Jesus. He formally adopted his two sons, Garrett and David, on October 14, 1997, a decision that gave him as much honor as it did his boys. He delighted in his seven grandchildren—Caleb, Addison, Katheryn, CJ, Noah, Kolten, and Olivia—who were the joy of his later years.

Music and ministry flowed naturally from Ernie's heart. For a short season, he played acoustic guitar with the local bluegrass group The Dodson's.   With his wife and friends, he founded and sang in the quartet Anchored in Him. He also played bass guitar in several churches and never missed an opportunity to enjoy a Southern Gospel concert. For more than 20 years, Ernie served faithfully as an elder at Bethesda Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where his wisdom and steady leadership were a gift to many.  He later joined Grace Baptist Church, where his ministry was marked through music and missions.  He especially enjoyed their  work in Wyoming and serving the needs of his family after major flooding in Denham Springs, LA.

A true outdoorsman, Ernie loved to hunt whitetail deer and squirrels, though the occasional beaver hunt was the greatest challenge of all. He enjoyed fishing, raising chickens and goats, and caring for the family's dogs and cats.

Those who knew Ernie remember him as Godly, wise, discerning, consistent, and faithful. He carried himself with a quiet strength, a stoic nature, and a quick wit that often left friends and family smiling long after the punchline.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy and Bobbie Burns; his brother Tony; and his niece Crystal. He is survived by his beloved wife Amy; sons Garrett (Jessica) Burns and David (Hannah) Burns; his seven grandchildren; his siblings Keith, Eric, and Patty; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be held in the sanctuary of Grace Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 8th, from 6 - 8 pm and a memorial service will be at Grace on Thursday, October 9th, at 10 am with Bro. Richard Foster officiating.  The church address is 1505 California Ave SW, Camden, AR, 71701.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Arbor Hospice, Proctor Funeral Home, Grace Baptist Church, Bethesda, Fellowship, and Fulton Cumberland Presbyterian Churches, and the many friends and family who went above and beyond to honor Ernie in both life and death. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church, Camden, AR.

Ernie's memory work from his recent personal evangelism classes at Grace highlighted Hebrews 4:12 "For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword."   In Ernie's words, often short and to the point, "Get your heart right."