Burley Eugene Durham, 88, of Tryon, N.C. passed away Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014 at Autumn Care of Saluda, Saluda, N.C.

Born in 1926, he was the son of the late Luther and Josie Henderson Durham.  A longtime textile worker, he was one of the founding members of the Polk County Rescue Squad.  He retired from the NC Welcome Center in 2005 and was a 50-year member of the Polk Co. Unity Masonic Lodge #482.  He was a member of Tryon First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Cochran Durham; one son, Roger Durham (Betty Jean) of Tryon, N.C.; and a daughter-in-law, Margaret Durham of Columbus, N.C.; one sister, Louise Flynn of Columbus, N.C. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Andrew Durham, Andrea Lay, Everette Durham and Warren Durham; as well as four great-grandchildren: Samantha Durham, Brian Durham, Finley Lay and Sean Yedro. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary Durham who passed away in 1999.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014 at Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, N.C. with Dr. Chris Osborn officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Polk Co. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 606, Columbus, N.C., 28722.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com