Brian Shaun Burke

Brian Shaun Burke, 77, of Athens, GA passed away May 30, 2026 after a long illness surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. Leonard F Burke and Margaret J Burke. Brian was born March 2, 1949 on Lockland Air Force Base in San Antonio,TX. At 6 months old the family moved back to his parents hometown, Northampton, MA while his father was stationed at Goose Bay Labrador Air Force Base. Then when he was 3 years old the family moved to Arlington, VA when his father was assigned to US Air Force Presidential Pilot Crew for 10 years. This is the basis for his passion for the Washington Redskins. At age 13 the family moved to Casablanca, Morocco for one year. Then they moved to Madrid, Spain for two years. While living overseas he found his love for golf. Brian spent his last two years of high school at Bishop England High School in Charleston, SC before coming to Athens in the fall of 1966 to attend the University of Georgia. He graduated with a Sociology degree in spring of 1971. He stayed in Athens until his death.

Brian is survived by his wife of 50 years, Fran Sims Burke; his brothers Kevin and Terry; "daughter"/great niece Sydney Sims; Goddaughters Eva Joyner, Beth Paulk Ahern, and Julie Paulk; Nieces Shannon Burke Bruder and Jennifer Sims Secrist; Nephews Chris Burke, Sean Burke, and Conor Burke.

After college Brian’s career in music truly began. Between 1971-1978 he played solo shows, many at The Last Resort, and played in the bands - Laughing Disaster, Terry Melton & Dixie Grease, Austin Church and Whatever It Takes, and Riverbottom Band. In 1979 he formed The Normaltown Flyers. During his 40 years of piloting the Flyers he played all over the United States. The Normaltown Flyers released two independent albums in the 1980's. First was Play Something I Like, recorded by Paul Hornsby at Muscadine Studio in Macon, GA. Then followed by Barnstormin', recorded by John Keane at his studio in Athens, GA.

In 1989 Brian sent one cassette tape to Nashville. A true shot in the dark - he sent it to Harold Shedd, President of Mercury/Nashville. Brian knew the artists Harold had worked with and thought he might catch his attention. Turns out it did. In 1990 The NormaltownFlyers signed a record deal with Mercury Nashville. They released two CD's. First the self-titled The Normaltown Flyers, followed by Country Boy's Dream. After the record deal Harold Shedd signed Brian as a staff writer at Millhouse Music in Nashville, TN. This was Brian's dream job and he commuted from Athens to Nashville every other week for two years. During that time Brian and Harold became good friends and have remained so for over 30 years.

Brian continued booking and playing show with the Flyers during those years. He released a CD of the songs he wrote and did demo's on - titled 30 Seconds Over Nashville. After his time in Nashville the Flyers lineup changed. This group consisting of Brian and Tom Ryan, Dean Quinter, Andy Carlson &/or Davis Causey continued to play for many years. Later, asking Tim White to join as he truly felt the keyboards filled out the band.

Often there were many show with just Brian and Tom. To honor the duo configuration of the Flyers they recorded Cheers Y'all at Davis Causey's studio. Davis asked to play but Brian said no to ensure it sounded just like live shows that only had him and Tom. It was their most popular CD. Brian's last recording was 7 X 7 Always Remember, recorded at Davis's studio.

In addition to the many gigs, Brian never said no to doing a benefit unless he was already booked. The Flyers played many weddings, private parties, and AthFest on several occasions. In 2023 The Normaltown Flyers received a plaque on the Athens Music Walk of Fame to commemorate their place in Athens music history.

If he wasn’t playing music, he was playing golf. He began on the golf team in high school and continued when he got to Athens. He held an alumni membership at UGA Golf Course for several years and in 1990 he joined at Monroe Golf and Country Club. He loved spending his days on the golf course with his buddies and playing music at night.

Brian was loved by many. He was known for his smile, his wit, his kindness, and love for the Georgia Bulldogs, golf, and music. He was an amazing songwriter and has left us with many memories to recall and songs to remember him by. Fran and his family hope that you can join them in celebrating his life and music at The Georgia Theater on August 15, 2026.Doors will open at 6pm and service begins at 7pm. The family encourages everyone to wear their Flyers gear or UGA colors. In lieu of flowers please donate to N.E. Ga Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

Brian always said "It doesn't cost a thing to be kind.” Always remember Brian. Always be kind.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, has been entrusted with arrangements.