“AJ” Burke, Jr., age 31, of Salem, VA, formerly of Danville, VA, went to be with the Lord and was greeted in heaven by his mom on Thursday, March 24, 2022. He was born on Tuesday, September 4, 1990. AJ was a car and audio enthusiast, an aspiring tattoo artist, and most importantly a wonderful father. In addition to his mother, Dawn Michelle Burke-Raines, he was preceded in death by grandparents, William Burke and Gary Caldwell; one aunt, Tonya Miles Bonuah.
Left to cherish his memory include his parents Allan and Deanna Burke; fiance, Bobbie Chumbley; children, Ahren Burke (9), Ayden Burke (8), Adrien Burke (6), and Ella Smith (7); grandparents, Peggy and Don Lawson, Dee Caldwell, and Milagros Burke; siblings, Hailley Burke, Codie Burke and wife, Marissa, and James Jennings; uncles, John Sandlin, and William Burke and wife, Caroline; aunts, Mina Addison, and Mely Salalila; nephew, Liam; best friends, Kelseigh Meador, Lauren Dalton, and Eric Curtis; numerous cousins also survive.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the Lakeside Baptist Church, 447 Dalewood Ave., Salem, VA, 24153, with Pastor Carl Goodman officiating.
Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. until the service hour at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe “AJs Funeral” to assist with his final expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.