Anthony John Burger

Anthony John Burger, international gospel and classical pianist, departed this life on February 22, 2006. Son of Richard and Jean Burger, he was born on June 5, 1961 in Cleveland, TN. Having been severely burned as a baby, doctors believed he would never have full use of his hands. However, by age three, he began playing the piano on his own accord. By age five, he began study at the University of Tennessee?s Cadek Conservatory of Music, the youngest ever admitted. He began touring with the gospel quartet ?The Kingsmen? at age 16. He spent the last eleven years of his life as the pianist in the Gaither Homecoming Series while also focusing on his solo career. Anthony received many awards and honors in his life. He was voted ?Musician of the Year? by ?Singing News? magazine ten years straight until finally the award was named after him. A previous recipient of the Dove award, he has once again been nominated this year for the instrumental album of the year. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000. Among other activities, he participated in the Billy Graham Crusades on several occasions. Anthony played for many dignitaries including presidents Carter, Reagan and George W. Bush. He is survived by his wife, LuAnn Burger of Franklin; parents, Richard and Jean Burger of Cleveland; sons: Anthony John and Austin McKinley Burger of Franklin; daughter, Lori Apple of Franklin; brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Linda Burger of Athens; brother and sister-in-law, Clinton and Janet Burger of Cleveland; sister-in-law and husband, Angela and Linn Durbin of Cleveland; nephews: Travis Burger and Alan Davis, both of Cleveland; nieces: Tabitha Huff, Monica Chesnutt, Hannah Durbin and Sydney Durbin, all of Cleveland; uncle and aunt, Homer and Dena Thompson of Greybull, WY; uncle and aunt, Dean and Margaret Thompson of Cleveland; uncle, Hershel Burger and aunt, Katherine Huellett, both of Cleveland; aunt and uncle, Naomi and Paul Sexton of Cleveland; aunts: Willie Murphy and Reba Sparks, both of Cleveland; aunt and uncle, Francis and Junior Whaley of Fort Wayne, IN; aunt and uncle, Lily and Charlie Pritchard of Fort Myers, FL; and numerous cousins and countless friends. Anthony began his music career with ?The Old Rugged Cross? and ended it with ?We Shall Behold Him?. This a testament to his life?s work of bringing people to Christ so that they can join him in the Kingdom of Heaven. We will miss him, but we know that Anthony is now accompanying angels