Michael Lonnie Burns, 40, was born July 22, 1979. He was a native of Cornelia, GA, in which he spent more than thirty years of his life. He later moved to Gainesville, GA, became a business owner and opened an Anytime, Fitness Gym in Gainesville, GA, where he spent the remainder of his years.
He grew up in a close-knit family in which he was blessed to share intimate relationships with both sets of grandparents, multiple aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Michael was the proud younger brother of his sister Julie. He loved her deeply and was there for her at a moment’s notice. Great times at Jekyll Island, Saint Simons, and family gatherings at the Burns Family farm nearly always included extended family.
Michael’s father, the late Lonnie Burns, along with sister Julie, shared many summers at Heritage Golf Course in Clarkesville, GA playing golf from sunup to sundown. These were wonderful bonding experiences that also grew Michael’s love for the game of golf.
Michael graduated from Habersham Central High School in 1997, where he was a proud member of the Raider golf team. Upon high school graduation, Michael continued to obtain a Bachelor of Business degree (4 years) from Piedmont College. While in college, after graduation, Michael continued to work at Apple Mountain Golf Course for over ten years, where he served within the clubhouse and as the Assistant Golf Professional.
After Apple Mountain, Michael left to pursue his goal of taking his love of fitness to the next level by opening his own fitness facility. As the owner of Anytime Fitness Gainesville, GA, he and his staff grew the gym to over 900 members. Michael cared immensely for the members and his staff.
Michael’s life was filled with family, athletics, and golf, which brought him blessings of lifelong friendships and lasting lessons from great coaches and mentors to include Randy Burris, Deray Fincher, Ryan Kirby, Clint Smith, and Timmy Neese. Michael was truly blessed with many wonderful friends who remember him as gentle, kind, sincere, yet had an undeniable witty side and a great sense of humor.
His natural athletic ability was undeniable. Michael was a natural leader on and off the golf course and gym; others were drawn not only to his athleticism but to his humble spirit.
Michael’s most recent golfing trip was to Pebble Beach with close friends in early February. Soon after that, during the week of July 4, Michael went onto play in the Golden Isles Invitational at Brunswick Country Club.
Faith was also a significant influence during his youth as a member of the Cornelia United Methodist Church. Michael was called home by the Lord on October 14, 2019.
He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Franklin Burns; sister Julie Kay Burns; uncles and aunts, Vivian Schoonmaker, Robert (Sandra) Franklin, Melba Windham, Mark (Donna) Burns; cousins Lyle (Kathy) Burns, Graham (Cassie) Burns, Chad Burns, Charlee (Matt) Haynes, Steve (Connie) Ash, and Trudi (Ken) Schubring. Michael was predeceased by his father, Lonnie Rondall Burns; grandparents, Josephine and Clarence Franklin, and Willie and Teasley Burns.
In place of flowers, please consider a monetary gift made out to the “Habersham County Schools Athletics Golf Program” in memory of Michael Burns. Contributions can be mailed to Terri Roberts, HCHS, 2059 St. Hwy 197, Mt. Airy, GA 30563.
A small memorial service will be held in Michael’s honor. Please contact Whitfield Funeral home regarding service details.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel Baldwin in charge of arrangements.
