Walter "Sticky" Burch Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Walter “Sticky” Burch passed from this life into his eternal life on Thursday, July 28th at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. Sticky lived a very full and rich life of almost 104 years. When asked about his longevity, he replied, “It’s easy to look back over 10 decades and see that the Good Lord had a plan for me all along - I thank Him every day for how He has blessed me!” Sticky was born in Asheville but lived in Greensboro for his entire life. He attended Greensboro (Grimsley) High School, where he earned his nickname of “Sticky” playing football under Coach Bob Jamieson. After attending high school and one year in college at Presbyterian College, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the US Air Force where he arrived in the European Theater in time to fly combat photo reconnaissance missions. Sticky Burch was a Greensboro Police Officer for 40 years and was Assistant Chief of Police at the time of his retirement from the Greensboro Police Department. He served as Sheriff of Guilford County for two terms from 1986 to 1994. While working for the Greensboro Police Department, he worked in each division of the department or was the Commanding Officer over each of the Police Divisions. He received over 2500 hours of Police Training and made it a priority to attend the Southern Police Institute, the FBI National Academy, and numerous other police training. Through his training and experience, he was able to provide leadership and direction needed to overcome trying times during his career, especially the 1960s and 1970s. During an interview about Greensboro Police Department’s role in the Woolworth Sit-ins in the 1960’s, Sticky stated, “They hadn’t been taught to live together as God’s People”. His Christian faith helped to guide him in his leadership and service to humanity. He was a living example of God’s word and believed we truly are all God’s children. He was an active member of Congregational United Church of Christ. Outside of law enforcement and his dedication to his church, he is well known for his service and contributions to the Masonic Temple and The Oriental Shrine Club, where he rose to become Potentate of the Oasis Temple in 1975. He was a member of the Greensboro Jaycees until he aged out and served as a member of the Jaycee Old Timers. Sticky was also a member of the Greensboro Rotary Club. Sticky was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary Jones Burch. Sticky leaves behind twin girls, Lynda Jacks (Russell) and Brenda Bower (Dickie), and a son Chip Burch (Geraldine). He was “PawPaw Sticky” to seven grandchildren: Amy Bunch (Robert), Ashlie Reaves (Lawrence), Tom Monroe (Laurae), Billy Teague (Melanie), Chuck Burch, Lori Burch, and Lindsey Griffin (Trent); six great grandchildren, Patrick Lanier (Claire), Jordan Nievinski, Lydia Reaves, Grace Reaves, Addison Burch and Wade Burch, as well as two great great grandchildren, Brooks and Mac Lanier. He also leaves behind thousands of friends. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude and love to Heritage Greens and staff for their commitment to Mr. Burch for the last several years; as well as Beth Tracey and Scott Weaver, PA-C. The family is also eternally grateful to his special caregivers: Rose, Rashita, and Stella of Options Mission who ensured that he was loved and cared for in his final days. “The only reason we feel such profound loss is because we had such a profound blessing. How sad we are now, but how lucky we were. And how fortunate we are to still have all the stories and experiences and memories we shared. Let us find peace in our hearts to carry forward.” There will be a memorial service 11:00 AM Thursday August 4, 2022, for family members only. However, the public will be able to view the service live via Forbis & Dick’s Facebook page. A celebration of life for the public to attend will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children at 604 Doug Mayes Place Charlotte NC, 28262 or from their website www.oasisshriners.org/.

Walter "Sticky" Burch

October 21, 1918 - July 28, 2022