Burnie Quick passed away peacefully at home in Columbus, GA, on March 24, 2026. He was 82 years old—above all things, a fighter. A man who met hardship with quiet resolve and filled every room he entered with warmth and light, even in death.
Born in New Orleans, LA, on October 26, 1943, Burnie lost his mother at age 11 and found his footing with his aunt and uncle, Ginger and Len Preston, in Tuscaloosa, AL. It was at Marion Military Institute that he discovered his calling, graduating as the Cadet Corps Commander. It was also where he met the love of his life, Frances McDonald. He went on to graduate from Troy State University and later earned a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Georgia.
Commissioned into the regular Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1965, Burnie gave 28 years to the United States Army as an Airborne Infantry Ranger. He served two tours in Vietnam, commanding an Infantry Company each tour, and was awarded a Silver Star on each occasion, as well as the Bronze Star for Valor with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters.
During his career, Burnie commanded a Mechanized Infantry Battalion and a Bradley Infantry Brigade while serving two tours in Germany. He was Chief of Staff of the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany and the United States Army Infantry Center at Fort Benning, where he retired after helping the installation earn recognition as the Best Large Military Installation in the world. In 2014, Burnie was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor.
Burnie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances McDonald Quick; daughter Shannon Reid Quick of Columbus; son Jeffery Wade Quick of Atlanta, daughter-in-law Amanda McAvan Quick; grandchildren Parker Moseley Quick and Lacey Rose Quick; his sister, Mary Reid Quick of Columbus; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Burnet and Gladys Parker Quick; his sister, Beverly Quick Kearney; his cousin, Peggy Wilkinson Virski; and his aunt and uncle, Ginger and Len Preston.
The Memorial Service will take place Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 1st Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901, with visitation to follow in the church. The Inurnment will take place afterwards from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Alabama Highway 165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, The Historic Columbus Foundation, or Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama.
