John Milton Burns, Jr., 74, died Monday, October 26, 2009. He was born August 12, 1935 in Americus, Ga, to the late John Milton and Launa Harris Burns. Mr. Burns served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Commander. After a few years in the private sector, he moved on to a career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, where he spent the last 24 years, most recently as a Staff Engineer in the office of the Chief Engineer. A Memorial Service was held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 30 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Chapel in Garner. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Surviving are his wife, Betty Jo Shaw Burns; daughters, Patricia Burns Lindsay and husband Michael, and Paige Burns Merriam and husband Christopher; grandchildren, Elizabeth P. Dewey, Christopher J. Dewey, Heather K. Dewey, Jennifer E. Dewey, Sean Q. Merriam, Michael P. Merriam; sisters, Patricia B. Seifert and L. Christine Burns; and a brother William E. Burns. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of John Milton Burns, Jr. to: Hospice of Wake County, 1300 St. Mary’s St. Suite 400 , Raleigh, NC 27605.