Luther (Luke) Burns Jr, age 91, passed peacefully at home with his wife Shirley by his side on July 31, 2024. He was born March 3, 1933 in Colquitt, GA to Martin Luther and Eliza Jane Burns. He was proceeded in death by his parents; and three sisters, Gladys Burns-Hinton, Verda Singletary and Bessie Burns; two brothers, Thaddeus Burns and Edward Burns; and life-long friend, Nelson Flowers. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirley; his sons Gregory (Teri) Burns of Powder Springs, GA, Garland (Patricia) Burns of Canton, OH, Tim (Cheryl) Burns of College Park, GA, and Tracy (Jackie) Burns of Snellville, GA. He graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 1950. Luke proudly served his country as a Field Lineman in the United States Army. During his 60+ year career, he was a former employee of Republic Steel, Canton City Health Dept as an Inspector, and was a Licensed Journeyman Carpenter with several of the local construction companies. Luke was also very active in sports. In basketball, he played for the Elks Juniors in 1948, Victory Club, Local 1200, Shelly Speed Queen and Lamb's Mirrors. In baseball, he was a pitcher for the Wynne Clowns, Dave Towell Rockets and Cleveland Black Barons from 1948-1950. In the Canton Class A baseball league, he played for the Canton Flower Shop, Seran Agency, Jackson A.C., Jeepy A.C., Victory Club and Superior Dairy. In 1964, he was voted Outstanding Amateur Baseball Player in Stark County. In 1977, he was inducted into the greater Stark County Baseball Association Hall of Fame and was also a 1981 Inductee into the Canton Negro Oldtimers Athletic Association Hall of Fame. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; nephews, nieces, and cousins.