John Talmage Burrows Jr of Raleigh, Mississippi passed away at the age of 90 on January 30, 2026. John was born in Memphis, Tennessee on February 13, 1935, to John Talmage Sr and Mary Burrows. He graduated from Germantown High School and went on to earn a degree from Mississippi State University in the field of forestry. After graduation he worked for the US Forest Service where he retired after 30 years.

John T. or Tee John as he was known by friends and family was a talented mechanic. He repaired garden tillers, lawn mowers, tractors, refrigerators, washers, dryers and air conditioners for friends and family all over the county. Sometimes he reassembled the cars his children broke.

With the Forest Service he kept bulldozers and other equipment running. He had a passion for antique cars, particularly his 1930 Model A coupe, Phoebe, which he rebuilt at least three times, and was a member of the Model A Car club.  He was crafty and imaginative in building sheds, barns, greenhouses, ponds, dams, bridges, roads and even furniture.

He enjoyed reading, yelling at MSU Bulldog football games on television and radio and he loved his vegetable garden. He was a beekeeper. Until his later years he hunted and liked fishing so much he could be spotted in Raleigh as he hauled a yellow canoe on top of his '56 Chevy pickup.  Just in case.  His children always begged to go fishing with him and begged to go home from the moment he got the boat in the water.

His dogs always loved him. He did the crossword in pen. He loved living on land with trees, and Camille nearly broke his heart. He wore a Smokey the Bear suit in parades. He loved Patsy Cline and Patty Page.

With the Forest Service, and being constantly out of doors, he was always bringing home abandoned dogs, a habit his children adopted. He was also catching and bringing home snakes much to the consternation of his coworkers and the delight of his children.

He was a Boy Scout leader for a short while. For many years he was a member of the Raleigh Jaycees and helped with the National Tobacco Spit raising money for the tennis courts and recreational facility in Raleigh.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Jane Moore (Jane), a brother Harold Gene Burrows (Julie), of Williston Tennessee. He also leaves behind his three children Allen Burrows (Jane) of Jackson, Mississippi; Becky Bowen (Mike) of Niceville, Florida; Gary Burrows (Brenda) of Woodstock, Georgia.  He was a proud grandfather to Madalyn Bowen Blake (Chris) of Clyo, Georgia, Emily Burrows Slone (Chase) of Kennesaw, Georgia, Libby Bowen of Niceville, Florida, and he was a devoted great grandfather to Evelyn Blake.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Sherry Logan, Shan Carter, Ruby Carter, Ana'stayshia Carter, Tanyanda Keys and Freddie Lee for their loving care over the last several years and especially the last three months.  We would also like to thank Gentiva Hospice staff, for their gift of comfort.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Raleigh Methodist Church located at 163 Main Street, Raleigh, Mississippi with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.  A private burial service will be held at later date and time.  Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Raleigh overseeing arrangements. 601-764-2181.

In Lieu of flowers the family request donations in his memory and honor be made to your favorite charity or animal shelter.