Mr. Michael James Burnsed, age 66 of the Georgia Bend, passed away Monday, March 25, 2019 at the Acosta Rua Center in Jacksonville with his family by his side. He was born February 24, 1953 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire to the late Mr. Theodore and Ms. Alice “Betty” (Clark) Burnsed. Michael spent his early years in Maine, attending Robert W. Traip Academy in Kittery.
In the late 70’s, Michael’s family returned to his father’s native Georgia Bend. Michael felt at home here and went on to become a pillar of the community. Michael was a founding member of the Georgia Bend Fire Department, where he dedicated 38 years of service.
He climbed the ranks over the years and eventually reached Assistant Chief. His love for the Fire Department was one that lasted him until his final days. Mr. Burnsed also dedicated many years to the Merita Bread Bakery in Jacksonville, in which he retired from.
Michael’s biggest passion, however, was Baker County Little League. He spent 32 years with the association and was also a Board Member. Over the years, he spent time as a coach, safety officer, and was a state certified umpire.
He touched a countless number of lives over the years with Baker County Little League. In his free time, Mr. Michael enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as loading up in the truck with his wife and riding the dirt roads of the bend. He also loved Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, as he was a faithful Catholic, and he and his son attended any games when the Irish came to Jacksonville.
Michael’s presence in Little League and the Fire Department will be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, Mr. Theodore Burnsed. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 38 years, Melissa (Stivender) Burnsed of the Georgia Bend; son: Brian Burnsed of Macclenny; mother: Alice “Betty” Burnsed of Macclenny; sister: Susan (Willard “Tee”) Turner of the Georgia Bend; nephews: Jeff (Jessica) Shouse of St. Johns County, Matt (Amanda) Shouse of Macclenny, Jason Hart of the Georgia Bend, Kyle (Courtney) Hall and Trace Stivender all of Macclenny; nieces: Alicia Hart of Jacksonville and Kristy Stivender of Macclenny; a number of great nieces and nephews, and multiple other family members and friends also survive.
Mr. Burnsed’s family will receive friends Friday, March 29, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the chapel of Forbes Funeral Home, Macclenny. Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 3:00 PM at Oak Grove Cemetery, Macclenny with Rev. Steve Blackmon officiating.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Forbes Funeral Home, Macclenny. (904) 259-4600. Please leave your condolences for Mr. Burnsed’s family in the online guestbook at www.
forbesfuneralhome.net. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Michael James Burnsed please visit our Sympathy Store.
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