Mr. Thomas Jesse “Tommy” Burns, age 75, of Lancaster, TN, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Mr. Burns was born June 17, 1951 in Nashville, TN, a son of the late Thomas Robert Burns and Mary Elizabeth James Burns. He was also preceded in death by Brother; Kenny Burns and Son; Torrey Hale.
Tommy worked for Wilson County Sheriff’s Office for 6 years until going to Lebanon Police Department where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in 2014. He served as a sergeant, detective, and officer during these years. Tommy and the late David Bryant were the first motorcycle officers for the City of Lebanon Police Department. He loved his fellow officers. While working in law enforcement, he also worked at Cumberland University as the strength coach, building on his passion of competitive body building. Tommy was also a cowboy, riding and competing every chance he could. Tommy served as President of the Saddle Club and rode in several shows. He also rode in Reining and Roping. He had a true love of cutting and showing horses in the State of Tennessee and around the country with his own horses. He loved being at a horse show even if he was not competing. Tommy had a friend at every event no matter what state he was in.
Mr. Burns is survived by Wife of 20 years; Tracey Gentry Burns. Children; Tanya Burns, Jordan (Megan) Hale, Hope (Gavin) Johnson, Chapel (Dashawn) McMurry, and Lacey (Aaron) Cheatham. Grandchildren; Sophie Hale, MaKinley Hale, Brayton Johnson, Hadley Tribble, Amiyah McMurry, Aralynn McMurry, Amari McMurry, Emma Hale, Colton Hale-Reedy, AnnaVae Cheatham, and Brinely Hale-Reedy. Sister; Theresa Denson. Sister-in-Law; Dale Burns. Nephew; Jason (Lauren) Burns. Niece; April (Heath) Martin. Great-nephews; Silas, Henry, Tobias and Caden. Great-nieces; Zion, Banyon, Meadow, Mattie, Millie and Haisley. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law; James and Brenda Gentry. Brothers-in-law; James (Tinna) Gentry, Jr, DJ (Kayla) Gentry. Numerous cousins.
Funeral Services for Mr. Burns are scheduled to be conducted from the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 1PM with Bro. Doug Dillard officiating. Interment will follow in the Gordonsville Cemetery.
Visitation with the family will be at the Gordonsville Chapel of Bass Funeral Homes on Tuesday from 1PM until 8PM and on Wednesday after 9AM until service time at 1PM.
The family requests memorials be made to the Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Cookeville, TN 38501.
