Allen McKenley Burney

BURNEY, Allen McKenley, born September 12, 1957 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was received peaceably in the hands of his Lord on Saturday, April 14, 2018. He was the seventh born of 10 siblings to the late Thurman McKenley Burney and Diane Exie Thomas-Burney.

Allen graduated from Colonel White High School in 1976, but, his heart was that of a Roosevelt High School “Teddie”. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy September 15, 1978 and discharged honorably September 14, 1982. He came to know the Lord early in his life, committed to his walk with God for over 30+ years. He was a member and vital cornerstone of Overcomers in Christ Ministries (OICM), where he served as a deacon, a musician, and an all around handy person.

An accomplished musician, songwriter, and a true lover of “all music”, with an edge toward jazz and gospel. He was a sought-out bass player in the Dayton area, a member of numerous Gospel groups and a featured bass player on several gospel recordings. Allen truly loved working on cars and was a master mechanic. He was a pillar of his neighborhood, always found giving a helping hand whether assisting with car repairs, cutting lawns or giving solicited advice. His quiet, fun-loving spirit will be missed by the “little” things he did for others. He was a genuinely giving person in every way you can imagine. Allen was loved, respected and cherished by all who knew him, and “giver” is an understatement. A testament to who he was, quoting his wife, “Allen was the same behind closed doors as he was in public”.

Preceded in death by his sisters, Debbie Burney, Jennifer Bailey; brother, Clifford R. Burney. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 31 years, Anna J. Burney; sons, Cordel L. Garrett (Felicia) of Portsmouth, VA, Terry Garrett (Karhonda) of Dayton, and Allen McKenley Aaron Burney of Dayton; sisters, Jackie Nelson, Dara L. Debraux, Shirl Ogle (Lex), Anna Marie Hill (James Sr.) of Dayton, and Ruth Michelle “Ruthie” Whitney; brothers, Robert L. Burney (Sharon), Pastor Thurman Dewey Burney (Yolanda), Bernard Burney (Tracey), all of Dayton; six grandchildren, special daughters, many devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be held 11 am Thursday, April 19, 2018 at Overcomers in Christ Ministries, 900 Cincinnati St. Visitation 9 am at the church until time of service. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment Dayton National Cemetery.  

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