Coach Jack Burton

Jack Burton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, coach, and teacher, went home to be with the Lord on February 27, 2025. Born July 17, 1945, in Anniston, Alabama, Jack lived a life marked by faith, family, and a dedication to shaping young lives. He graduated from West End High School in 1963 and continued his education at Mississippi State University and Birmingham Southern, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Master’s degree from UAB. He was a member of Mississippi State’s SEC Championship teams in 1965-66 and a draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds. His passion for athletics was evident throughout his life, first as a baseball player, football player and wrestler and later as a coach of various varsity athletics. His coaching passion for baseball and wrestling never wavered as evidenced by his pioneering of wrestling officiating in the State of Alabama, where he became a highly respected wrestling official. Jack’s profound impact on the lives of countless students and athletes spanned nearly five decades. He began his teaching and coaching career for E. B. Erwin High School in 1975, where he dedicated 29 years to mentoring and inspiring young people. His dedication culminated in coaching the AHSAA 5A Wrestling Championship team in 1999. He continued his coaching career at Hewitt-Trussville High School for 15 years, leaving an enduring legacy on the wrestling program. His contributions to the world of wrestling were recognized with his induction into the inaugural class of the Alabama Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, a testament to his skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his athletes. He was also inducted into the Alabama Sports Officials Hall of Fame. A longtime member of Crosspoint Church, Jack’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Lynne Burton; daughters Lori LaBoone, Kim Crouch (David), Mandy Windham (Philip), Allison Blythe, and Melissa Chappell (Alan); sisters Irene Collins, Jean Wilson, Pam Luker, Susan Harkins (Lee), and Becky Riha (Ray); grandchildren Mason Fannon, Kelcey Fannon, Elaina LaBoone, Kristina LaBoone, Sam Windham, Jacob Windham, Emily Crouch, Logan Crouch, Noah Chappell, Caroline Chappell, and Savannah Chappell; and great-grandson William Fannon. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, B. F. Burton and Julia Cates Burton; brother Benjamin Burton; brothers-in-law Hank Collins, Jerry Wilson, and Tommy Luker; and son-in-law Thomas LaBoone. A service celebrating Jack’s life will be held March 4th at 12PM at Crosspoint Church. Coach Jack Burton’s memory will live on through the countless lives he positively impacted and the unwavering legacy he leaves behind.

Coach Jack Burton

July 17, 1945 - February 27, 2025