
A special memorial service for Anthony Burger was held March 1st, 2006 at Christ Church in Nashville.
Anthony and LuAnn Burger's daughter, Lori, sang It Won't Rain Always. The Homecoming Friends Choir lead the congregations in Amazing Grace. Then the choir, featuring Ivan Parker, sang Beaulah Land. Ben Speer was featured on Unclouded Day,.. then Lynda Randle performed God On The Mountain. It is Well With My Soul featured Larry Ford and David Phelps. Tributes were offered by John Fisher,.. and Anthony's niece Tabitha Huff.
Russ Taff shared a story about Anthony falling off the stage,.. piano bench and all, during a Kingsmen concert.
Russ says Anthony climbed back up onto the stage,.. took a bow.. and got a standing ovation!
Bill Gaither said Anthony Burger was a genius. Gaither told a story about Anthony thinking quick.. and filling in for David Phelps. It seems that Phelps was on the GVB bus..and didn't make it to the stage in time for his solo performance. As David's music track started to play... there was no David. Anthony jumped in and did the "piano only" version of Phelps' song. Again... AB got the standing ovation!
A video presentation was offered.. Anthony Burger playing I'm Getting Ready To Leave This World. The crowd at Christ Church.. stood to offer their applause at the end of the clip.
Charlotte Ritchie, Ivan Parker and The Homecoming Choir then sang Tell Me the Story Of Jesus. Jessy Dixon sang What Are They Doing In Heaven. Johnathan Martn, Joyce Martin and Charlotte Ritchie were featured on Rock of Ages. David Phelps and the Gaither Vocal Band performed These Are They. Dean Hopper gave out a shout.. and the worship started! It was a wonderful time! There wasn't a dry eye in the building.
A memorial message was delivered by Pastor Dan Scott.
Another video presentation was offered. This one featured pictures of Anthony at various ages and stages of his career. The video's sound track was Anthony playing Clair De Lune/Jesus Loves Me. Finally, the Homecoming choir sang Oh Come Angel Band as the casket was carried out,.. and family members were escorted form the sanctuary.
Pallbearers:
Russ Taff
Terry Gibbs
Roy Webb
Kevin Williams
Tommy Cooper
Kirk Talley
Homecoming choir (and players) included:
Bill and Gloria Gaither
Ivan Parker
Teresa Parker
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Greg Ritchie
Charlotte Ritchie
Signature Sound
Reggie & Ladye Love Smith
Ann Downing
The Perrys
Joyce Martin
Jonathan Martin
Booth Brothers
Talley Trio
Johnny Minick
Isaacs
Stephen Hill
Robbie Hiner
Mary Tom Speer
Jessy Dixon
Aaron Wilburn
Dean and Kim Hopper
Les Beasley
Wayne Maynard
Larry Ford
Naomi Sego Reeder
Kirk Talley
Geron Davis
Judy Nelon
Lou Hildreth
Marshall Pugh
Daryl and Karen Williams
Lari Goss
Roni Goss
Ben Speer
Sue Dodge
Kenny Bishop
Jimmy Jones
Steve Hurst
Karen Apple
Monument Qt
Jim Thrasher
Mike Allen
Lynda Randle
Calvin Newton
Joe Thrasher
Stan Whitmire
Mark Trammell
Ed Crawford
Gaither Vocal Band
Karen Peck
Rabbit Easter
David Phelps
Jim Murray
and others.
ABPTRIBUTE - GOODBYE ANTHONY JOHN BURGER