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John Hugh Burch
John Hugh Burch, born October 13, 1923 in Orange County in Cedar Grove to John C. Burch and Grace Byrd Burch. Hugh passed away on September 21, 2017 at 93 years old. Hugh grew up in Hillsborough and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1939. He was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve his country in World War II. From February 1943-1946, he served as a medical technician with the 148th General Hospital in the Pacific on Saipan. After returning from the war, he attended Appalachian State Teachers College from 1949-1953. While there, he played and lettered in baseball. He had a great love for academics and sports. This took him to Andrews High School in South Carolina, which was his first teaching and coaching position. After a few years, he returned to his hometown of Hillsborough. There he taught Civics and American History and coached men’s basketball, baseball, and football. Hugh was a lifelong member of Hillsborough United Methodist Church. As a young adult, he served the church by showing up early to light the coal-fired furnace so the building would be warm for the church service. He lived almost his entire life in Hillsborough. He loved the community where he knew everyone and everyone knew him. Visiting with family, friends and neighbors was his great joy. Fishing, gardening and watching sports were some of his favorite pastimes. He loved music, especially the music of the 1940’s and the Big Band Era. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and sister, Ruth Christopher. He is survived by daughters, Amy Gilbert, Kim Camacho and husband, Mark; grandchildren, Grace Burney and husband, Zach, Faith Gilbert, Carson Camacho, Dallas Camacho, and Race Camacho; great grandchild, Zoey Burney; and sister, Mae Case. The family asks that anyone wanting to honor Hugh’s memory, make donations to Samaritan’s Purse for disaster relief (sumaritanspurse.org). The family would like to thank the staff of Sunrise of North Hills in Raleigh and Transitions LifeCare (formerly Hospice of Wake County) for their support and excellent care. A celebration of Hugh’s life will be held at Clements Funeral Home in Hillsborough on Sunday, October 1st. Visitation from 1 to 2:30 pm. Service to follow at 2:30 pm. A graveside military tribute will follow at New Sharon United Methodist Church Cemetery. Flowers are acceptable, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse Charity under Memorial Giving to John H. Burch https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ The family is under the care of Clements Funeral Service in Hillsborough. Please see online obituary to send condolences at www.clementsfuneralservice.com.October 13, 1923 - September 21, 201710/13/192309/21/2017
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Clements Funeral Service
September 23, 2017
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Faith Gilbert
May 28, 2020
A candle was posted for John Hugh Burch.
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Will and Sean Endres
October 1, 2017
Candle of Peace was posted for John Hugh Burch.
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Will and Sean Endres
October 1, 2017
Mr.Burch was a kind man,and wonderful neighbor!
He was the first person to welcome us next door when we moved here almost 24 years ago.. He,and his wife always remembered our son on his birthday,and every holiday.
I think of him every day,and miss him a great deal!
W... Continue Reading
He was the first person to welcome us next door when we moved here almost 24 years ago.. He,and his wife always remembered our son on his birthday,and every holiday.
I think of him every day,and miss him a great deal!
W... Continue Reading
Candle of Peace was posted for John Hugh Burch.
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William A. Davis
September 30, 2017
i had him for a civics teacher 50 years ago, he was a good man and teacher, would run into him every once in awhile at the post office and he would ask about my parents we would talk about fishing life in Hillsborough and anything that came to mind at the time, of all my... Continue Reading
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Peggy Ward Majors
September 27, 2017
I had Mr. Burch for Civics class in school. I always enjoyed his class. He was a good teacher and I will always remember him. My deepest sympathy to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
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Randall Case
September 26, 2017
I will miss Uncle Hugh very much. He has been such a good influence in my life and someone that I respected so much and looked up to. Our thought's and prayers are with Amy and Kim and all of the family.
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Michael Case
September 25, 2017
Three brothers having a wonderful lunch with their Uncle Hugh.
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Linda Greason Petty
September 24, 2017
I will miss our lengthy and much enjoyed chats Mr Burch. I know you are with Jesus now, but you will be missed!
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Pam McDonald
September 24, 2017
Uncle Hugh was such a special man. Our family always looked forward to his visits to the mountains. His singing, sense of humor, and stories are memories that are truly cherished. Our prayers go out to Kim and Amy.
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Hervey & Jane McIver
September 24, 2017
Hugh was a great friend and neighbor when we moved across the street in 1984. He was generous with help, loved our young family, was always receptive to front yard stories and conversations and took care of our dogs better than us. We will miss him.
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