Edwin Ellis Burnham

Edwin Ellis Burnham died unexpectedly yet peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Casselberry Florida at 85 years old. Edwin is survived by his children, Ceslie Burnham Griggs, Jonathon Burnham, his grandchildren, Amanda Griggs-Fleming, Jon Burnham, Rachel Burnham, and Allie Burnham, and his great-grandchildren, Jasper Riley Gonzales and soon to be born Riggs Burnham, his younger brother George Johns, his nephews and niece Clint Johns, Jessica Johns, and Jason Johns and his great nieces and great nephews, Destiny Johns, Emmanuel Johns, Neveah Johns, and Tristan Johns, Chloe Johns, and soon to be born Grayson Johns. He is preceded in death by his father, Ellis Woodson Burnham aka as Shorty Burnham, his mother Martha Johns, his stepfather, George W. Johns and his sisters, Marilyn Burnham, Sue Johns, and Madalyn Burnham, his Uncle Jack and Aunt Mary Bell and Aunt Willie May. Edwin was born on February 4, 1940, in Hazelhurst Georgia to Martha Johns and Ellis Burham. He attended Elementary School in Jessup, Georgia, and attended then graduated from Glen Academy, the oldest school in Georgia in 1958. Edwin was trained as a meat cutter and excelled quickly, gaining the approval of his employer. Edwin was the first to go to college. He attended Berry College through a scholarship from a wealthy family who interviewed him and saw someone who would work hard and be successful. Edwin attended Berry College and graduated on June 9, 1963, with a bachelor’s in science degree. He was the first in the family to obtain a college degree. He married Scarlett Dell Green, his college sweetheart in September of 1963. After moving to Athens Georgia, Edwin began working for a high school in Athens. Edwin’s and Scarlett’s daughter was born on December 31,1966 in Gainesville, Florida. The family moved back to Rome Georgia where Edwin worked as an Assistant Coach for the Berry College Tennis Team. Edwin and Scarlett divorced in the early 70’s. Although divorced, Edwin prioritized visiting his daughter as much as possible and maintained a good relationship with her until his death. Edwin then moved to Brunswick, Savannah, Titusville, and then ultimately Sanford Florida. During this time, he worked for Western Sizzlin starting as a meat cutter then working his way up to manager. He worked for Western Sizzlin from the early 1970’s to 1985. He won an award and was presented with a trophy. Edwin met Karen Goshorn and Jonathon, Karen’s son, in 1975. Karen and Edwin were married in 1979. He adopted Jonathon in 1982. In 1985, Edwin changed careers and worked as a Food Distributor to restaurants. Edwin was a natural salesman. Quite simply, it fit his personality, and he was great at it. Edwin lived in Sanford from 1979-1994. Edwin divorced Karen in 1994. Edwin moved to Clearwater, Florida, working as a sales rep for a Seafood Distributor. He also had a home in Winter Park with Anna Decker who was a mother figure to him and a good friend. In 1995 Edwin met the love of his life, Judy Cornell. Edwin and Judy moved to Casselberry, Florida in 1998. He retired at age 80. He and Judy lived in their home for 24 years until her passing in 2022. They were together for 27 amazing years. Dad remained there until his passing in 2025. Edwin’s favorite hobby was talking to people. He could talk to anyone he came across. He loved his family, Judy and her children. He was closest to Chip and Kelly. He felt like Chip, and he was kindred spirits in their love for Judy. Edwin was proud of his Cherokee heritage. His grandmother was half Cherokee. He valued his friends and family the most. He prayed for them on a regular basis and kept in contact with them in person or on the phone. Edwin was a devout Christian. He talked about the teachings of Christ, and he prayed for his family and loved ones each night before he went to bed. Edwin’s favorite things were great food, going to Bob Evans, and Carrabba’s and he loved his Mercury Montego. A funeral is scheduled for 2:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home at Maitland 9001 S US-17-92 Maitland, FL 32751. Reverend Kurt Miericke from the First Covenant Church of Winter Park will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Edwin Ellis Burnham’s life. Donations to Alzheimer’s Foundations, Memory Care, or Meals on Wheels are welcome, and condolences may be sent to the funeral home: 9001 S. US -1792 Maitland FL 32751.

Edwin Ellis Burnham

February 4, 1940 - August 8, 2025