Rev. H. Burch Fannin Sr., age 104, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior and to reunite with many beloved family members and friends on January 8th, 2026, at his home. He was born on January 5th, 1922, in McDonough, Georgia, to his loving parents, Hugh Haywood Fannin and Fannie Kate Burch Fannin.
He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 70 years, Margaret Fannin; their two children, Virginia Joan Fannin Cash and Walter Thomas Fannin; his sisters Carolyn Rippey, Catherine Barrett, and Margaret Ann Ferrarr; son-in-law Jimmy Lester; infant granddaughter Stephanie Lester; and granddaughter Stephanie Fannin.
Rev. Fannin is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Beth Lester, and son, Hugh Burch Fannin, Jr. (Trecia); eight grandchildren, Luke Lester, Chris Lester, Wendi Lester Ludwig, Michael Cash, Corey Cash, H. Burch Fannin, III, John Fannin, Blake Fannin, Jacie Fannin, and Jolie Fannin; seven great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his last living sibling, his beloved sister Mary Jo Stroud of High Point, North Carolina. The two spoke daily, reminiscing about younger days while sharing laughter over current aches and pains.
Rev. Fannin enrolled at Toccoa Falls College, where he became its oldest living alumnus. It was there that he met his future wife, Margaret, after sharing lunch breaks at picnic tables. They later served together as dorm parents and went on to share 70 beautiful, blissful years of marriage while faithfully serving their friends, loved ones, and communities.
Following his college graduation, Rev. Fannin was called into ministry and became a member of the The United Methodist North Georgia Conference in 1944. He faithfully served for 40 years as a Methodist preacher throughout North and Middle Georgia, serving churches and their congregations in Dillard, Dawsonville, Woodstock, Athens, Monticello, Rockmart, Eatonton, Marietta, McDonough, McEachern, Brookhaven, and Pleasant Grove. After retirement, he settled in Rockmart, where he made his home beginning in 1984.
He was also honored to be a Freemason for more than 50 years. A pillar of his community, Rev. Fannin touched countless lives through his unwavering devotion, patience, and understanding. He was a distinguished gentleman whose exuberant personality overflowed with joy, wisdom, and grace.
He often spoke of the heavenly home he preached about for decades. While sowing seeds of wisdom, he would say,
“May each of us live his or her own life so that when our ticket is punched, we don’t worry about where we’re going.”
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Rev. Fannin enjoyed gardening, tending and admiring his ferns, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs. If you passed by his home, you would often see him sitting on the porch, offering a friendly wave. On warm evenings, he would smile and say, “Let’s sit here ’til the lights come on.”
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A master storyteller, he maintained his memory until the very end. He loved a good joke and was never without a punchline. His life was celebrated through numerous honors, including serving as Grand Marshal of a parade, receiving House Resolution 689, participating in radio interviews, and being recognized by Atlanta news personalities. Truly, he was the definition of a life well lived. We should all strive to be like Pastor Fannin.
There is no doubt that when he closed his eyes on earth, he opened them to hear the words,
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Funeral services for Rev. Fannin will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Rockmart First Methodist Church. Private interment will take place in the Flippen United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 11:00 am until the service hour at Rockmart First Methodist Church.
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Pallbearers are Robert Brannon, Drew Brannon, Andy Burch, Al Brannon, Sonny York, and Dennis Matthews.
Honorary Pallbearers are his grandsons Luke Lester, Chris Lester, Michael Cash, Corey Cash, and Blake Fannin.
The family extends special thanks to Made For Home and their compassionate staff for the exceptional care, kindness, and companionship they provided to Rev. Fannin.
Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family of Rev. H. Burch Fannin., Sr.
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