October 7, 1966 - March 23, 2016
Clarence Oscar Edwin Burg, 49, of Conway, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. The memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Christ Church Conway, 1105 Deer Street.
He was born October 7, 1966, in Dallas, Texas, to John Parker Burg and Ida Elizabeth Groome Burg. He was raised in Jackson, Mississippi, graduated from Rice University with a baccalaureate degree, earned his master's degree from Duke University, and received a PhD from Mississippi State University.
Dr. Burg worked at the University of Central Arkansas as a math professor and was a deacon at Christ Church Conway. He enjoyed teaching others inside and outside the classroom. As a devoted man of God, he blessed everyone he met with a smile, and he shared the good news of eternal life. It was very evident that he was a devoted husband and father and will be deeply missed, but we have the comfort of knowing that we will meet again.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Ida Elizabeth Groome Burg. Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Taylor Burg, and five children: Jean Elizabeth Burg, Sarah Truly Burg, Jonathan Clayborne Burg, Mary Belle Burg, and Dorothy Ann Burg. Other survivors include his father John Parker Burg, his sisters Ida Elizabeth Burg Corcoran and Emily Diane Burg, and his brothers Nathan Parker Burg and Paul Andrew Burg, along with a host of extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be sent to Christ Church Conway at 1105 Deer Street, Suite 1, Conway, Arkansas, 72032; or to the Clarence Burg Trail Life USA Troop 1221 Memorial Scholarship fund at First Baptist Church of Gravel Ridge, 14322 Highway 107, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.
The family would like to thank extended family and friends for their outpouring of love and support. May God bless you all.
I had Clarence Burg as a teacher in 2002, when I was attending the Mississippi State University. I think he outsmarted most of the people I ever met in my life, he had a great enthusiasm in teaching his subject, and he was very, very kind. I discovered he passed away while searching him on the net, I was talking about him to my kids. So sorry, rest in peace.
I met Dr. Burg during my tenure at Mississippi State University, as a graduate student. He was one of my first instructors. His impressiveness as an engineer was only outmatched by his kindness. He truly inspired me to get my doctorate. I was so impressed by him that I decided to look him up where I ultimately learned the news of his passing. I'm saddened from the fact that I never thanked him for his inspiration. He was a good man and I considered myself blessed for having met him.
I'm just learning about Clarence's passing after looking him up to say hello. I'm heartbroken to see he is no longer with us.
Clarence was a dear and wonderful friend to myself and my wife at Duke in graduate school back in the 90's. We treasured our friendship with Clarence and Rebecca.
He was truly a hero and inspiration to me and I regret that we lost touch over the years. Clarence was always a positive and cheerful friend to everyone that knew him. He was a genuine Christian servant and put his faith into action in everything he did. I'm so sorry to hear this news and wish nothing but love and blessings for Rebecca and his children.
Today, I'm just learning of Clarence passing. I used to help your mom, Betty, around her home in Jackson Mississippi. I only knew Clarence and Ida. Betty was so proud of her children. She spoke of them often. I loved Ms Betty. She was a beautiful soul just as I hear that Clarence was and I know Ida is as well. I"m so thrilled to know that Clarence married and have five beautiful children that will carry on his legacy. Although its been over two years since Clarence went to be with the Lord, I want the family to know that they are often thought of and are in my prayers. MS Debra Jones
I worked with Clarence at Mississippi State University. He died way too young. Sorry to hear of his death. Condolences to his family and friends.
I remember meeting mr. (Dr) Clarence once when I found a little dog that belonged to them right by our house. It was when we had first started homeschooling and I was doubting if we had made the right choice, so it was very nice to have this chance meeting with someone from CHEF who had so many good things to say about THEIR family's experience with homeschooling. It is situations (and people) like this that God puts in our paths to ease our hearts when we need a boost, and mr Clarence was ALWAYS such a pleasure to see...so full of joy and a clear representation of the care of, and attention to, others that our Lord says we are to exhibit. Sad for his family's loss, but I can just picture him smiling in the eternal presence of our Lord and Savior. We will meet again...
Clarence was a sharp technical cookie. I had the pleasure of working with him at MSU. But far above that, he was a genuine God fearing man and deeply committed to his Lord, family, and church. May our Lord gently heal you in this tremendous loss.
Praying for you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry to learn of Clarence's death. Your family is in our prayers.
Clarence was one of the first people we met at Christ Church. He was very welcoming and made us feel right at home. Burg family I am deeply sorry for your loss, know one day you will meet again. He definitely carried out the work of Christ while on this earth and was called home by his Heavenly Father.
Dr. Burg was unlike any other professor I had while in school. He was always excited about what we were learning, and truly wanted to see us succeed. He often told funny, loving stories about his children and wife. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Clarence always greeted me with a smile and always was willing to help when asked. He will be surely missed by all in math and computer science. My prayers are with the family in this difficult time.
Paul Young
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Oh Rebecca. I am so very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your sweet children. We hate that we can't be there today. Clarence blessed our family so much with his kindness and happy smile. He always took time to speak with Carson, which meant a lot to him. Many have been blessed by him, and he will be missed greatly. We love you all and are praying.
Love,
Allyn and Melissa Wallace and family
Your family is in my prayers.
Praying for your family.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. We graduated together at Jackson Academy. He always had a smile and kind word for everyone.Even in the sadness I know he's in the presence of Jesus!
Dr. Burg was one of the Professors I met on my first at UCA. He made me feel welcome and gave me so much respect. For these few months that I got to know him, I felt he was humble and had fair and good judgement. Rest in perfect peace Sir. One thing that gives gives me hope and comfort is that you knew the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore till we meet again.
oh, my sweet child, how I always loved your family. you know I am praying. Mrs. Wiz
Clarence was a wonderful neighbor. We will miss seeing him walking with the kids and miss hearing him whistle as he worked in the yard. So thankful he knew the Lord and is with him right at this moment. We pray for your sweet family as you grieve - may God provide comfort and peace.
Clarence was always one of the good guys. We played soccer together at Jackson Academy. I remember his sense of humor, and I also remember him as someone who was always kind... Safe travels Clarence...
Clarence was such an inspirational person. He always greeted me with a smile every time we encountered each other at UCA or in the community. I worked with him at UCA and in Cub Scouts (Pack 400) when I was one of the leaders. I will miss his smile and positive attitude towards life. He provided many great memories for people to remember him by.
In sympathy,
Brent Hill
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. Clarence will be remembered as a good father and husband. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences. May God give you the peace that you seek. -Robert, Aida, Rubie, and Catherine
Rebecca,We are so sorry to hear of the sudden passing away of our cousin Clarence. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you and the children.
kirk, myra, billy, mimi and margaret groome
I had the pleasure of working in the Math Department for a year just leaving that job in January. Dr. Burg always made me feel welcome and respected from my interview to my last day. He wrote me a sweet card on my last day and I will treasure it. I will miss his laugh, his kindness and his willingness to help his students. My sincere condolences to Rebecca and his 5 children.
Kathy Lovelace
I was Clarence's soccer coach at Jackson Academy. He was a great kid. Hadn't seen him since 1984. I'm so happy to learn that he was so successful. May God bless his family.
I am so sorry for your loss he will be missed gratley
Clarence was a sweet gentle friend. Our prayers are with Rebecca and the children. Grace and peace.
Clarence was a wonderful Daddy, Husband, Teacher and friend! He will always have a special place in our hearts because he always went the extra mile for those he loved. Rest well with our Heavenly Father my friend, I will see you soon enough.
Rebecca, I am so sorry...
Chris and I loved Clarence..
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children...I feel your pain.
May you feel God's closeness.
I love you....
Rebecca,
We are deeply saddened by such a great loss of a wonderful man of God, husband, and father. We are praying constantly for you and the kids.
Love,
Josh, Mari Beth, Addy, and Anna Claire Wheeler
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing. I had one summer calculus class with Professor Burg a few years ago at UCA, but it was enough to know that he was a genuinely kind man who loved the Lord and he one of my most memorable and helpful professors I ever had. If he left that kind of impact on a student in a summer class, I can only imagine how many people he touched throughout his life. My prayers to the family for peace and comfort.
He was a one of a kind caring person ,a great leader and one who would not hesitate to help anyone. We will miss him alway.
I have said many times that I feel that my colleagues in the math department are like family. I had several intellectually stimulating conversations over the years with Clarence and can genuinely say that his banter in committee meetings will be sorely missed.
Our hearts go out to Rebecca and his children wishing them the best in these hardest of times.
With Love,
Pat, Lisa, Meagan, and Abby
Clarence was a wonderful person who had tremendous faith in The Lord and loved his family. It had been years since I had seen him last but in the time I spent with him, I could see how much he loved Rebecca. I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers
Praying for you all and praising God for all his care.
So sorry for your loss. Will be praying for your family.
Many of our loved ones have joined with Christ.
My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you, the children and the all of Clarence's family. May God be with and bless all.
A great friend. A dedicated teacher and scholar beloved by his students, friends, colleagues in the Department of Math at UCA. Our heart felt condolences to Rebecca and their wonderful children.
We will miss him deeply.