Pete Burr

Pete Burr passed away on April 1, 2026 surrounded by family at his home in Grottoes.

Pete was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on January 19, 1933. He joined the army at a young age and became a paratrooper. After leaving the army, he briefly drove a taxi cab before joining the police force in his home town.

Pete eventually left the police force to pursue a career as a machinist and tool & die maker. His favorite hobbies were motorcycles, saltwater fishing, and fixing and building anything and everything.

Music was always a part of Pete’s life. He was lead guitarist, vocalist & band leader of Pete Burr & the Country Ramblers, featuring his wife Joyce on vocals & rhythm guitar.

In 1980, Pete moved to the Shenandoah Valley with his wife Joyce, a native of Grottoes, and their son, Pat. Together they built their home. As a master machinist and tool & die maker, he started Pete Burr Machine Works in a portion of the basement of their new home.

Never one to sit still, and true to form, after taking piloting lessons in his fifties, Pete earned multiple aviation licenses including commercial airline pilot. He started Valley Air offering charter trips, piloting instruction, and banner pulling. Pete and his wife Joyce were in the Civil Air Patrol flying missions for the forestry service to locate downed airplanes and missing people.

Pete is survived by his wife Joyce, three children, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He was one of six children. One brother survives Pete, while the other four siblings preceded him in death.

Honoring his wishes, Pete will be cremated at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service. A memorial service celebrating Pete’s life will be led by Pastor Cam Carte at South River Fellowship church on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 1 pm.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service, Grottoes. Online condolences may be made at johnsonfs.com.