Thomas Lee Burch

Deacon Thomas L Burch, 96, of Middletown, devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend departed this life on November 29, 2024. Born October 7, 1928, in Pamplico, SC to the Late Rev. Otto and Jessie Margarea (Jones)Burch. The 3rd of 11 children, Thomas attended the Pamplico, SC school system and worked diligently on the family farm before and after school. As he grew older, he worked in the family restaurant with several of his siblings until he decided to enlist in the United States Army in 1951. He was on leave one August weekend in Augusta, GA in 1954 and met the love of his life Ida Mae (Solomon)Burch. It was love at first sight because after courting for only 2 weeks Thomas and Ida were married. After his Honorable Discharge in 1955 Thomas and Ida stayed in South Carolina for a while to help his parents with younger children before moving to Middletown, CT, buying a house and making it their home in 1956. Everyone who knew Thomas, knew him as a sharp dresser and always complimented him on his sense of style. Besides shopping for one of a kind suits and shoes, he loved fishing, playing his guitar, his Doberman Pinschers and his Cadillacs! Thomas was employed by Wesleyan University until he retired in 1993. After moving to Middletown, Thomas joined The House of God Church, Keith Dominion, where he served faithfully on several committees such as the Deacon Board, Usher Board, Music Dept. Male Chorus and Ward Leader. Thomas leaves to cherish his memory two daughters; Leslie A. Perry (George) of Middletown, CT and Gloria J. Welch of Tacoma, MD. Two sisters; Mary M. Woods of Florence, SC and Margaret McElveen of Pamplico, SC. One Sister- in-Law Georgette Burch, Six grandchildren; Dr. Mary Smith (Michael) Julian Welch, Karianta McCaw, Taneta McCaw, Quiana Perry and Quentin Perry. Five great grandchildren; Jessica Litmon (Bobby) Maya Smith, Jalen Welch, Persephone Blaise and Andre McCaw-Todd. Two great great grandchildren Bobby Litmon Jr (BJ) and the newest addition to the family, little Miss Peach herself, Zayn Nova Cox. And a special niece and nephew that he and Ida raised; Janice Burch and Frank (Malik)Burch. Besides his parents and loving wife Ida, Thomas was preceded in death by his daughter, Herdean L. McCaw, Five brothers; Linburg Burch, Ernest C. Burch, Moses Burch, William Jim (WJ) Burch and George Burch Sr.; Three sisters; Lettie Mae Murphey, Annie Lee Brown and Martha Ann Durant. One grandson; Troy Thomas Perry.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 13th at 11:00 am at Cross Street AME Zion Church, 440 West Street, Middletown. A burial will follow in the State Veteran Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  Family and friends may call before the service at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am.  To share memories or send condolences to the family please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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