Gene Burbage Obituary

Gene "Wayne" Burbage, Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025, in Summerville, South Carolina, at the age of 70. Born on October 21, 1954, Wayne led a life defined by service, love, and laughter. He served his country honorably as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. As a Combat Aerial Photographer, Wayne saw the world through a unique lens-capturing moments during Desert Storm and on various deployments both across the United States and internationally. His service left a lasting legacy of courage and commitment. Wayne had a passion for life that touched everyone around him. Whether he was strumming his guitar, firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, or belting out karaoke tunes, he brought joy and energy to every gathering. He cherished time spent camping and being in nature. But above all, Wayne loved his family-especially the time he spent laughing, playing, and making memories with his grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife, Trina Reed Burbage. Though married for five years, their bond spanned twelve wonderful years of partnership and working side by side. Wayne is also survived by his loving mother, Janette Turner; his children: Gene Wayne Burbage, Jr. (Kelli), James Erich Burbage (Allena), Nicholas Adam Burbage (Katie), Briana Marie Petrick (Wesley), Sierra Louise Varner, and Miranda Faith Varner; 15 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind two brothers, Samuel Kale Burbage (Melissa) and Grant Johnson Burbage; a sister, Donna Sue Ondrajka (Fred); numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of "adopted" children and grandchildren whom he loved as his own. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Gilbert Burbage; stepmother, LaRue Burbage; brothers, Glenn Edward Burbage and Marvin Gilbert Burbage; uncle, Daniel Newton Driggers; and his beloved son, Richard Edmond Burbage. Wayne's life will be honored on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the same location. Burial will take place immediately after at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC. Honorary pallbearers include Sammy, Grant, Gene, Erich, Nick, Wesley, Donovan, Reece, Griffin, Adam, Andrew, and Brady-his brothers, his boys, and his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Wayne's memory by singing a song, sharing a story, or gathering your loved ones around a campfire-just as he would have wanted. Wayne lived life to the fullest, loved without limits, and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion.