Dateline: Bethel, NC

Cleveland Burton Manning, Jr., age 88 died Friday, December 25, 2020 at The Fountains at The Albemarle in Tarboro, NC.

Mr. Burton was a lifelong resident of Bethel and was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Rogerson Burton, brother Robert Burton and sisters, Mary Louise Manning and Marion Burton Nicholson.

He is survived by his daughters, Julia Wainwright (Ray) of Bethel, Mary Hellman (Rick) of Myrtle Beach and son, Roger Burton (Lorraine) of Bethel; granddaughters, Holly Burton Manning (J. Dale), Sara Burton McCrystal (Deglan); great grandchildren, Madeline Ann Manning, Mary Clare Manning, Will Manning, Matthew Burton Whitehurst and Rowan Burton McCrystal.

Mr. Burton was retired president of C.M. Burton & Son Electrical and Plumbing Contractor. After graduating from Bethel High School, he obtained his state electrical, plumbing, heating, air and refrigeration licenses and joined his father in the family business. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and served as assistant Chief of the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department and retired after 34 years. He was a charter member of the Bethel Rescue Squad. Mr. Burton had served as a town commissioner of Bethel for 12 years. He was Scout Master of the Bethel Boy Scout Troop 15 for 6 years. He was a member and past master of the Bethel Masonic Lodge 589. Mr. Burton was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church.

Due to Covid19 restrictions a private graveside service with Masonic Rites will be held at the Bethel Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge 589 or the Bethel Fire Department.

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker-Ayers Chapel is serving the Burton family