Thomas Burns Obituary

June 12, 1951 – March 8, 2023

KINGSPORT - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Thomas James Burns, who passed away on March 8, 2024, after a month of complications following heart surgery.

Tom was born on June 12, 1951, in Harper Woods, Michigan, to Hugh and Betty Burns. Tom studied for three years at Michigan State University as a Political Science major, took a hiatus from school at the Institute for the Study of Nonviolence, and then finished his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Oakland University. After a few years of collective living with other idealistic friends, he attended a Clinical Psychology graduate school at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., where he met his future wife, Martha. In the following years, Tom and Martha would welcome two children, Becca and Elisabeth, living first in Columbia, Maryland, and then in Kingsport, Tennessee.

Tom devoted his 40-year career as a psychologist to helping children, adolescents, and adults in both individual and family contexts. Outside of the office, Tom's work extended to many pursuits, including the creation of the Appy League Logbook Radio Show, co-editing the AAP journal Voices for many years, serving three terms on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Church, and over twenty years on the Religious Services Committee and in the Small-Group Ministry Program.

Tom's life was one guided by purpose and intention. His legacy will remain in those whom he inspired to laugh freely, give time generously, speak kindly, and view the world optimistically. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, love of a good walk in the woods, and loyalty to the many friendships established throughout his lifetime.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Betty Burns, and his sister, Sue Ellison. He is survived by his wife, Martha Rubenstein; his daughters, Rebecca Burns Powers (Ed) and Elisabeth Burns Watkins (Warner); his granddaughters, Hattie and Margaret Paige Powers; his brother, Jack Byerlein, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom's remains have been donated to the Anatomy Gifts Registry, fulfilling Tom's wish to dedicate himself to the greater good. A celebration of life will be held in early June. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holston Valley Unitarian Universalist Church or the Environmental Defense Fund.