Mr. Odell Haskell (Pop) Burns Sr.

Odell Haskell (most famously known as “Pop”) Burns Sr., age 87, of 1119 Hickory Lane Anderson S.C., formally of Belton S.C., transitioned to his heavenly home early Sunday morning, February 11, 2024, at the AnMed Health Medical Center, surrounded by his family and close family relatives. Odell was born in Anderson County and raised in the city of Belton, SC. He was the youngest son of the late Haskell Burns and Mamie Callaham Burns. As a young boy, Odell received his education through Belton Public Schools and was a member of New Hopewell Baptist Church. It was in this church that he started playing the piano as a young child, sang for many years, and was a lead singer and songwriter with his sons and daughters in the renowned quartet gospel group known as “The Burns Brothers” of Belton, SC. They recorded many hits, including “Cross to The Other Side of Jordan, “Remember Your Creator,” “Land of Pearls,” and “Amazing Grace," which still can be found on YouTube to this day! He married a jewel by the name of Laura Palmer Burns in 1956. Together they bore 7 children: Otis, Odell, Sammie, David, Faye, Laura, and Cheryl. Laura Palmer transitioned to Glory in December 1999; they were married for 43 years. On September 15, 2001, Odell married the beautiful Alma Chapman Ward Burns. They were married for 23 years and counting until his recent transition to Glory. Odell worked in textiles, and when he wasn’t working in the mills, he was farming. He had excellent farming skills and diligently kept up a garden for many, many years. He was also an excellent cook and oftentimes did the cooking for his family. Odell sang every chance he could and was never shy about letting his voice be heard. His singing technique was unique and appealing. His sound cannot be replicated, and that made him truly one of a kind when it came to his musical ability and passion for singing. He spent his life singing for the Lord and started out with a group called the Echoes of Zion. There are many quartet groups that were formed afterward (within the family) that hold influence from the Echoes of Zion, to include The Five Trumpets, The Southern Echoes of Belton, SC, The Henry Family, The Oliver Family, Focus, The Victorettes, and The Four Stars. He played the piano and organ for New Hopewell Baptist Church until his health began declining. Odell is remembered for his many musical talents and the message of salvation that he sang with conviction to help win souls for the Body of Christ! He is preceded in death by his parents, Haskell and Maime Burns. First wife, Laura Jean Palmer Burns. Son, Sammie Lee Burns, and daughter, Rev. Janie Alice Faye Burns Greer. Three brothers: Devoe Burns, Clyde Burns, and BT Burns. Three sisters: Hattie Hunter, Katherine Henry, and Elvener Oliver. Two grandchildren, Joseph Aaron Burns and Paulina Michelle Greer, and one great-grandchild, Gabriel Elijah Burns. He leaves cherished and loving memories with his wife, Alma Chapman Ward Burns of the home; daughters, Laura (Minister Johnny) Merriweather, Cheryl (Michael -Minister of Music, deceased) Puckett, both of Anderson, SC., and Priscilla (Lorenzo) Rothery of Due West, S.C. Sons, Rev. Otis (Rev. Debra) Burns of Belton, SC; Rev. Odell (Rev. Angela) Burns of Honea Path, SC; and Rev. David (Rev. Lillian) Burns and Rev. Timothy Greer, both of Anderson, SC. Grandchildren: Daniel Burns, Sammy Burns, Mark Burns, Darius Burns, Avis Burns Burnhart, Renee Walker, Letitia Butler, Kourtney Barmore, Daveda Burns Robinson, Peter Greer, Sherri Burns, Andrew Greer, Matthew Greer, Alisha Greer, Elizabeth Burns, Damascus Burns, Josh Puckett, Tyler Pucket, Hunter Puckett, Devin Rothery, and Brittany Rothery. Thirty-seven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, other loving relatives, and friends. A few fun facts about Odell: he was a skilled farmer and gardener; he was a master at checkers and hasn’t been known to ever lose (except once, but it's still questioned); his favorite color was blue; his favorite foods were fried chicken, hotdogs, cheeseburgers, and ANYTHING sweet! He also sang a tune when he would yawn. Odell Haskell Burns Sr., aka “Pop Burns,” was a remarkable man, and he will always live in the memories of his family and friends. The good times will always be treasured! Funeral services will be held Saturday 2:00P.M. at Evergreen Baptist Church, burial will follow at New Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery. Public viewing will Friday from 12:00-7:000P.M. at the Funeral Home. Holloway’s Funeral Home of Belton S.C.is in charge of arrangements. The family is at the home.

Mr. Odell Haskell (Pop) Burns Sr.

July 18, 1936 - February 11, 2024