Paul Lovett Burch
Paul Lovett Burch Jr. passed away on October 28, 2026, at 3:09 a.m. at the Harrisonburg Health & Rehab Center under the care of Sentara Hospice Care in Harrisonburg, VA, following a 3 month courageous battle with Brain, Facial, Lungs, Kidney and Bladder cancer.
Born on May 25, 1949, in Steubenville, OH, he was the son of the late Paul Lovett and Virginia Mildred Miller Burch. On July 22, 1991, he married Julie Marie Riggles.
Paul spent over 45 years working as an independent ceramic tile contractor for Carpet Tech, Tim Cass, and Tom Weaver. He was a dedicated and hard-working man who always provided for his family, often putting their needs and his commitment to taking care of Reagan for 26 years above his own health.
Outside of work, Paul enjoyed spending time with friends, fishing, playing in the Jack Sancomb Annual Golf Tournament, and sharing beers at the Timberville Moose Lodge #2335, the New Market Fraternal Order of Eagles #4264, Bennie's Beach, and at the farm. On Friday nights, he could often be found grilling steaks outside the Moose Lodge, where he spent countless hours volunteering.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; his sons, Paul (Amy) Burch III of South Carolina, Reagan Riggles at home, and bonus son Brian (Caroline) Long of Timberville, VA; his grandchildren, Ben, Dylan, Austin, and Molly Burch; his bonus granddaughter, Darla Elizabeth Grace Long; his sister, Kim (Patrick) Vaughn; his father-in-law, Ron Riggles; and his beloved mini dachshund, Myla.
Paul’s life was enriched by his special friends: Mary Post Byrd and her children Earl, Jacob, and Becky; Kathy Turner and her son Jodie; Brent & Heidi Harrison and their children Kristen and Ben; Lela & Jack Sancomb and their daughters Kimberly and Sarah; Emma Lou Biller; Gary Baker; Chip Coffman; Pat & Terry Tusing; Jim Mathias; Buzzy Coverstone; Roger Bowers; Vonnie Dove; Michael Goble; James "Pop's" Goble; and Gretchen Hazard and her sons Dylan and Cason Reynolds.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Roberts, and his best friends, Gary E. Post and Jimmy Tusing.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to his Hospice team—Patsy Fulk, Tara Whetzel, Crysi Tusing, Erica Jeffers, and Tony Cruz—and a very special thank you to Pam Coffman for being a trusted voice of reason and support throughout his journey.
To honor a life well lived, please raise a Coors Light in his memory. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions for future expenses may be sent to the family at: 12930 Runions Creek Rd. Broadway, VA 22815 “I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me, So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole. Where every day is a day to fish, To fill your heart with every wish.
Don’t worry, or feel sad for me, I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea. We will miss each other for a while, But you will come and bring your smile.
That won’t be long you will see, Till were together you and me. To all of those that think of me, Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I’m missin’ Just tell ‘em I’ve gone fishin’."
