John David Burroughs

After a courageous battle and a hard fight, John David Burroughs, age 78, of Gainesville, passed away on February 5th, 2026.

David affectionately known as "D" Dad to his precious grandbabies was  loved more than anyone could imagine. He grew up in Danielsville, Georgia by loving parents John Walter Burroughs Jr. and Virginia Moseley Burroughs. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his birth mother, Emily Barnes Mills Porter, loving son John Phillip Burroughs; mother in law, Barbara Ann Adkins; and father in law, Ralph Adkins. David graduated from Madison County High School, earned degrees from Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law. He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity at Emory and especially loved catching up with his brothers via Zoom Meetings. If he told you on any occasion that he was pulling for the Georgia Bulldogs, he was most definitely pretending. He passionately loved the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets where he held season tickets most of his life. As a child, he loved attending games with his father and dining at The Varsity. He worked as an attorney and served as a Judge in Hall County for many years. He loved camping and especially boating on Lake Burton and Lake Lanier. He recently purchased an RV with plans to camp the country with his grandbabies, travel to all of the National Parks, and take an extended bucket list road trip to Alaska. He loved spending time with family and playing with grandbabies and his sweet dog Lily. He was a Veteran and served his country in the United States Navy during the VietNam War. Most would never have known that he served. He was stationed in Meridian, Mississippi and not in combat. He would not compare his service to those that served in the trenches and died for us. He had a pilot's license and looked forward to flying anywhere on Delta and definitely the Delta Sky Club. He enjoyed traveling, cruising, and spending time anywhere that was warm during the winter. Juno Beach was his favorite spot.

Survivors include his wife that will love and miss him more than anyone can ever imagine, Margie Burroughs; daughter, Kate Burroughs Stokes of Atlanta; son, Brady Strickland of Manhattan Beach, California (Jamie); daughter and son-in-law, Kiley and Adam Zimmerman, grandchildren, Avery Lloyd and Charlie Ann of  Fleming Island, Florida; brother in law, Brannen Adkins of Dacula, Georgia (Loni); nephew, Jere Johnson of Pickens, South Carolina (Amanda); niece, Gina Adkins of Greenville, South Carolina (Richard); sister, Barbara Ann Megaw (Mark) of Athens; niece, Angela Megaw of Gainesville; special cousins Jan Loftis, Janna Booher, Ronnie Boggs, Neese Boggs (Shelley) Tom Brown (Betty); best friend Robert Wellon (Jan) and many extended family members. 

David is a member of Gainesville First United Methodist Church and the family is very appreciative of the prayers from Reverend Jamey Prickett and staff, as well as Bill Coates, his longtime friend and former pastor. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Foster Care Ministry, Gainesville First United Methodist Church. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:30 A.M. Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at Gainesville First United Methodist Church Sanctuary. The Rev. Jamey Prickett and Dr. Bill Coates, will officiate.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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