Prof. Rufus Burton Fletcher, Jr., J.D., MBA of Valdosta, Georgia, was born in Ocala, Florida, on December 25, 1950. He was raised in McAlpin, Florida, and later lived in Lake City, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, and Fullerton, California. After that, he was a long-time resident of Torrance, California, before relocating to Valdosta, Georgia, in 2004.
Burton has been known by several professional names and nicknames during his long and distinguished career. While his preferred name is Burton, many chose such endearing names as Rufus, Burt, Brother Burt, Brother Burton, Fletch, Fletcher, Corporal Fletcher, Veteran Fletcher, Teeth (because of his big smile), Mr. Fletcher, Burton Fletcher, Esq., Counselor, Dr. Burton, Dr. Fletcher, Professor Burton, and Professor Fletcher. He is also thrilled by the Southern tradition of addressing him as Mr. Rufus and Mr. Burton. He loves the congeniality of Southern culture.
Burton always did his best to be a wonderful son to his late, beloved parents, Rufus Burton Fletcher Sr. and Emma Callie Hunter Fletcher Dowdy, and he is a loving brother, uncle, and great uncle to his cherished remaining family. He has been a notable example and inspiration to his loved ones through his career and community service, and his relatives treasure him. To Burton’s family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, he is known to be a well-meaning and giving person who projects positive energy and optimism. Loyal to his family and friends, Burton cherishes his extended family, home, wildlife, and rescue pets, considering the latter his family members. He enjoys sharing photos of his pet pals.
Possessing numerous gifts and an infectious spirit for life, Burton has been an award-winning student, educator, lawyer, community leader, and philanthropist, for which perfectionism and professionalism have been milestones along his life’s path. He is a rare combination of formal introversion and personal vivaciousness, sociability, and bravery. He is a kind, empathetic person with a compassionate heart that makes him approachable and generous. In addition to being dynamic, knowledgeable, proficient, and fair-minded, more than anything, he is ready, eager, and capable of supporting others. He is kind in heart and incredibly honest and trustworthy; his word is his bond. Writing, photography, travel, community service, and politics are hobbies he enjoys in his life.
Burton loves the Lord and shares his Christian faith by consistently striving to lend a helping hand and “never meeting a stranger.” He was baptized in his youth at the McAlpin Advent Christian Church. Later, he became an active parishioner at Crossroads Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was once again fully baptized by total immersion. Burton is honored to stand steadfast beside his prayer warriors and obedient crusaders for Christ because he loves his church family.
Burton was born into a hardworking farm family headquartered next to the McAlpin Advent Christian Church in Suwannee County of North Florida. His family grew a fledgling agricultural business into a substantial million-dollar venture. The family engaged in animal and plant farming and land development. They raised calves, dairy cows, broilers, quail, and hogs and grew corn, tobacco, peanuts, cane (and made syrup), watermelons, hay, wheat, rye, and timber.
Burton credits his parents and grandparents for instilling moral values, self-worth, and the family love that guided him through his life. As the son of an entrepreneur father and mother in this family, he learned to appreciate challenging work, frugality, dedication, and thoroughness. He unconditionally accepts everyone he loves.
Those invaluable life lessons he learned on the farm and from his family instilled his lifelong passion for serving as a member, volunteer, leader, and supporter of numerous philanthropic and charitable endeavors. He gives freely of his time and resources every day.
Burton commenced his education at the McAlpin Elementary School and graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida, in 1968. He attended Lake City Junior College & Forest Ranger School (renamed Lake City Community College in 1969 and re-titled again as Florida Gateway College in 2009), graduating in 1970 with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts.
While attending Lake City Community College, Burton was president of the local chapter of Circle K International, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. He was a Senator and President Pro Tempore of the Student Senate and a member of the Speaker’s Bureau. The then-named Lake City Community College Alumni Association honored Burton in 1973 as a distinguished alumnus by sponsoring and endorsing him for inclusion in Outstanding Young Men of America.
After graduating from Lake City Community College, Burton was drafted during the Vietnam War. While at the Jacksonville, Florida Recruitment Center, Burton was impressed by a Marine Sergeant wearing his dress blue trousers with a crimson stripe down the legs. At that moment, Burton decided he would sign up for three years with the Marine Corps, and off he went to serve this great nation.
Burton graduated from boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he adopted the United States Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment. Burton served honorably for three years (1970-1973) in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to Corporal during the Vietnam Era. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was awarded a rifle expert badge, pistol expert badge, and other recognition. He was discharged shy of three months early on a school cut, so his total service time was 2 years, 9 months, and 8 days. He was eligible for the Good Conduct Medal.
He received advanced infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina. He was then trained as a military police officer at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and served in various capacities at Camp Pendleton, California. Initially, he was a gate sentry but quickly advanced to Desk Sergeant with the rank of Private First-Class Patrolman, a position customarily filled by non-commissioned officers. He thoroughly enjoyed this assignment. He was the fill-in mailman when the regular mailman was on vacation. Near the end of his service, he was assigned to the Shore Patrol in Oceanside, California.
Because of his professionalism and leadership qualities, he received unique assignments. While conducting various police roles, Burton provided security to President Richard M. Nixon and other dignitaries. He considers his military service to be one of his highest honors.
After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps, Burton continued his education and, in 1975, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, with honors, from the University of West Florida. While there, Burton served as Chancellor of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity, and in that capacity, he was responsible for running the meetings using Roberts Rules of Order.
Burton held many positions while attending the University of West Florida, including president of the Florida Sigma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity, House Manager, and secretary and board member of the Florida Sigma House Corporation. Burton was a fraternity Brother of the Year finalist and a Greek (Fraternity) Man of the Year finalist. Burton was inducted into Who’s Who Among Students in Colleges and Universities in the 1974-75 edition.
In 2008, the Greater Pensacola Area Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumni Association awarded Burton the coveted and prestigious “Order of the Lion” title for “continued leadership, dedication and loyal service to the Fraternity.”
In 1976, Burton received an MBA in Business Administration from The University of West Florida.
Upon graduating from the University of West Florida, Burton was employed in an Executive Trainee Program for a retailer named Maas Brothers in Tampa, Florida.
He moved from Tampa to California and commenced his legal education. In 1980, he received his Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California.
During law school, Burton began his legal career as a Certified Law Clerk working for the District Attorney’s Office in Fullerton Municipal Court, a demanding role made more so by the pressures of law school. During two summers of his law school career, he taught business and law courses for his alma mater, Lake City Community College, in Florida (now Florida Gateway College).
Burton thrived in law school, graduating with distinction in academic and extracurricular activities. He was Chairman of Judges’ Night and a member of the Honors Moot Court for four semesters. Burton’s team won a second-place award for oral advocacy during his first semester in the Honors Moot Court competition. During his last three semesters of law school, he served as the Director of Honors Moot Court and oversaw an award-winning program.
Furthermore, he was an editorial board member of Western State University College of Law – Law Review. Burton was one of two students to receive the prestigious Corpus Juris Secundum Award “for significant legal scholarship” in 1979.
Once again, Burton was inducted into Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities in the 1980 edition.
In 1980, Burton took the Georgia Bar Exam during his last semester of law school. He maintained a whole load of classes and simultaneously taught a course in Business for El Camino College. Burton passed the Georgia Bar Exam on his first try, becoming the first person in his law school class to become a licensed attorney on June 20, 1980/
In 1980, Burton commenced full-time employment as a classroom instructor for El Camino College in Torrance, California, where he taught for 18 years (1980-1998). He was a tenured instructor credentialed in Business and Industrial Management, Law, and Marketing and Distribution.
Burton was a leader on numerous committees, including Cable T.V., Accreditation, Division Council Framework Team, Area Council Framework Team, Shared Governance Task Force, College-Wide Fiscal Committee, College-Wide Budget Committee, Area Quality Council, AFT Negotiations Team, Division Council, and various other Shared Governance and Total Quality Management Programs.
He received numerous awards for his committee involvement, leadership, and advocacy in designing and implementing Shared Governance policies at El Camino College. He received multiple Certificates of Appreciation for his “Outstanding Contributions and Service to El Camino College.” He also received numerous “Applause Awards,” commending him for demonstrating his commitment to quality and dedication to excellence.
Burton served in the Academic Senate and as Vice-President of Legislative Affairs. The Academic Senate awarded Burton the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Full Professor of Business Administration.
When he resigned in 1998 to engage in other professional pursuits, El Camino College awarded Burton a commemorative plaque inscribed: “In Recognition For 18 Years of Meritorious Service, Dr. Burton Fletcher, 1980-1998.”
Burton passed the California Bar Exam in 1981 and thus began an ongoing career in law, civil litigation, and teaching. He was a member of the State Bar of California from 1981 through 2019. In this capacity, he founded his general practice law firm in 1982, specializing in litigation, using the DBA of Fletcher & Associates. At its zenith, the firm employed 15 attorneys and staff and maintained association relationships with other law firms. Burton was blessed with a remarkable and committed team.
His law practice assisted many people with personal and consumer injuries and civil injustices. Fletcher & Associates was an experienced and aggressive advocate of its clients’ interests, with an excellent record of serving others. Burton actively participated in the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles and the Consumer Attorneys of California.
In 1992, Burton was an ambassador with a Torrance delegation that visited its Sister City, Kashiwa, Japan. An award-winning member of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce, he was a chamber leader and subcommittee chairperson on the Education Committee. He graduated from the Leadership Torrance Program and was its advisor and photographer.
Burton audited the Miss Torrance Pageant, was a member of the Torrance Rotary, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Torrance City Council in 1992 and 1994 with the “A new man for new ideas” campaign theme. Although the local newspaper expressed that he had presented a “dizzying array of new ideas,” he lost by 114 votes in 1994.
During an educational career spanning 27 years, Burton was a servant leader, activist, and advocate who gave voice to issues and served in various roles: Author, Instructor, Senior Instructor, Adjunct Professor of Management, Adjunct Professor of Law, Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies; Assistant Professor of Business Administration; Associate Professor of Business Administration; Full Professor of Business Administration; College and University leader; Chairman; Director; and Administrator. He served approximately 10,000 students and professionals during his long and distinguished career. Several colleges and universities successfully recruited Burton before his academic career ended in 2004.
Burton had an outstanding record of leadership and service, highlighted by inclusion in Who’s Who in American Law and Who’s Who in California. His activities included membership on the boards of directors for Pop Warner Football of Torrance, Inc. (founding member); Center for Prevention of Child Abuse; South Bay Children’s Health Center; West Los Angeles College Paralegal Advisory Board; Los Angeles Southwest College Paralegal Advisory Board; and other nonprofit organizations.
From 2004 to 2006, Burton owned and managed ValdostaMemorials.com, LLC. He was a well-known memorialist, with numerous national publications to his credit. During this time, he also founded the Georgia Monument Builders Association.
In 2006, Burton established GeorgiaSigningAgents.com, LLC, and later named LoanClosingAttorneys.com, LLC. The law firm provided real estate and loan closing services throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Burton employed numerous attorneys and retired from the State Bar of Georgia as an emeritus attorney.
He is a proud advocate for the Democratic Party and, yet, a withering critic of the current Republican Party, Fox News, One America News Network, Newsmax, and other radical right-wing social media he refers to as “propaganda networks.” Burton relates to television news personality Rachel Maddow as a saint in the right direction. As a Yellow Dog Democrat, he is consistently relied upon to vote for Democrats.
Throughout his career, Burton has been recognized on various occasions for his service to others, receiving distinguished recognition ranging from Outstanding Young Men of America (1973), Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (1974-75; 1980), and the Corpus Juris Secundum Award, for “Significant Legal Scholarship.” He has been recognized for his service and lifetime achievements by his Division, College Campus, City, County Government, State Assembly, State Senate, State Governor, and United States senators for his conspicuous and distinguished service and countless acts of benevolence.
During his award-winning academic career, Burton taught a wide variety of courses in Law, including Business Law, Legal Environment of Business, Legal Aspects of Business Transactions, Legal Aspects of Business Decisions, Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Introduction to Legal Assistant 1; Legal Writing; Everyday California Law; Civil and Criminal Evidence; Personnel Law; and Fundamentals of Business Law; Marketing: Principles of Marketing; Personal Selling; Oral Business Communications; Management: Introduction to Business; Management Principles; Business Management; Small Business Management; Entrepreneurship 2; Advanced Entrepreneurship; Applied Management; Human Resources Management; Negotiations; Professional Development of Managers; Contemporary World Issues (7 Habits of Highly Effective People); Introduction to International Business; and Cooperative Career Education.
Burton was an accomplished educator whose demonstrated ability to instruct and motivate his students while closely collaborating with his professional colleagues was a hallmark of his academic career. He was enthusiastic about his work and committed to student success. He could recruit business owners to address his students and loved assigning students to interview entrepreneurs. Burton cherished the classroom and found it immensely gratifying. He was dynamic, always overflowing with suggestions and reassurance. Burton had experience creating lesson plans and curricula targeted at a wide range of students.
Burton has a special place in his heart for all creatures, but none more than rescue animals. He always encourages others to adopt rather than buy their pets. He is a patron of animal welfare organizations that rescue, rehab, and re-homing mistreated and neglected animals. He supports spay, neuter, and microchipping programs to help reduce animal overpopulation.
Burton supports fostering and adopting shelter animals and is a so-called “foster failure” who fell in love with his foster pets and adopted them. He derives boundless joy from his canine and feline friends and has adopted numerous pet companions throughout his lifetime. His beloved pets have benefited him throughout his life, serving as substitutes for children. He enjoys animal-centered discussions, and his support of animal welfare increases his capacity for compassion in his personal and work life.
Burton established and currently serves as president and director of the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals, Inc., a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) corporation that supports organizations rescuing injured, abused, abandoned, and feral animals in South Georgia and North Florida. Burton’s theme is “We are a little charity, doing big things, with great heart!” TM
Burton has planned for his estate to fund the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals, Inc. Part of his foundation’s mission is to work with charitable organizations that benefit animal welfare. Burton’s Foundation generously supports animal shelters, humane societies, animal welfare organizations, and individuals in need whose support of animal welfare improves the plight of animals.
He is proud of his accomplishments in uniting, recognizing, and rewarding Animal Welfare Heroes across South Georgia. He gives unselfishly of his time, leadership skills, and financial resources. He reminds others in animal rescue organizations not to hide their light under a bushel basket. Upon passing, Burton’s estate will further fund the Burton Fletcher Foundation for Animals, Inc.. It is dedicated to working with charitable organizations that benefit animal welfare. The foundation website is www.BurtonFletcherFoundation.org, Please feel free to visit and donate to benefit animal welfare organizations.
Those who know Burton appreciate his delightful smile, charitable heart, and decisive, constructive leadership. They also appreciate his service life, his heartfelt concern for his community, and the love he shares with family and friends. Burton is far more than just his accomplishments to his family, friends, and co-workers. He is considered “just a great guy” who always goes the extra mile with a smile, humility, compassion, and boundless love.
Burton’s late paternal grandparents were Burton Eugene Fletcher (April 2, 1897, to March 29, 1968) and Ethel Mobley Fletcher (April 14, 1897, to July 15, 1983); and his maternal grandparents, Gus Esco Hunter, Sr. (December 12, 1882, to February 17, 1971); Emma Lillian Geiger Hunter (September 1, 1889, to January 12, 1973) (all buried in the McAlpin Advent Christian Church Cemetery). His late parents were Rufus Burton Fletcher, Sr. (September 4, 1923, to October 10, 1998) and Emma Callie Hunter Fletcher Dowdy (March 5, 1930, to September 6, 2019) (buried in the Live Oak Cemetery), and who last resided in Lake City, Florida. Burton cherished his best friend, Emiko Takeuchi (June 15, 1929, to February 21, 2011). (Please read Emiko’s obituary by searching “Emiko Takeuchi, obituary.”)
Burton has two younger sisters, Emma Jean Fletcher Jordan (former brother-in-law James Larry Jordan) (Wellborn, FL); Lena Fletcher (Jerome “Jerry” Patrick) Heeney (Lake City, FL); and four nieces and one nephew; Emy Lenal Jordan (David) Delgado; Lillian Jinnette Jordan (Carlos) Class; Jordan Fletcher Jordan; Sean Patrick Heeney; Colleen Caitlin Heeney; and four great-grandnieces and one great-grandnephew, Shelby Brooke Delgado; Emily Grace Delgado; Haley Jordan Delgado; Larry Drake Kinter; Jinnette Nereida Class; and countless friends and professional associates.
Burton’s cherished pet pals include Sheba, Sam, Wimpy, Tiger, and Coco (family dogs); Tom the Steer; Dynamite, Prince, and Mammy (horses); Princess and Charlie (cats); Melvin, the scarlet macaw; Muffin, Dusty, Bobby, Lucky (Boris); Precious, Jack, Walker, Dolly, Rusty, Mac, Gracie, and Shaggy, (dogs); and others. They will always be memorable characters in the chapters of his life!
“To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
By all accounts, Burton has succeeded!
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