Rev. William Clair Burn

Father William Clair Burn, a retired Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Charleston and who served for a number of years in the chaplaincy of the local Veterans Administration Medical Center, died on Friday, May 29, 2009. Fr. Burn was the second oldest of five sons born to Lockwood Joseph Burn and Louise Clair Burn. He was born on Saturday, March 11, 1922 in Charleston. None of the four brothers, Lockwood, Francis, Robert and Gerald survive him. Fr. Burn received his formal education at St. Anthony in Birmingham, AL and St. Luke in Gary, IN. He was also a graduate of the Mitchell School, the High School of Charleston and the College of Charleston. Fr. Burn's formal seminary education and training were pursued at St. Philip Neri in Haverhill, MA and at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, MD. Fr. Burn was ordained in Charleston by Bishop John J. Russell, on May 25, 1956, along with others. In various Catholic Parishes throughout South Carolina, he served as both assistants and pastors. Fr. Burn also worked in the diocesan archives. Before his college career, Fr. Burn volunteered and served in the U.S. Navy for three and a half years, during World War II. He also served three years after the war in the local Navy Reserves. Fr. Burn is survived by his sisters-in-law, the widows of his deceased brothers and nephews and nieces, the children of the same deceased brothers. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contribution to the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Building Fund, 5 St. Teresa Dr. Charleston, SC 29407 or to a charity of your choice.