Colonel Burnet “Burnie” Rea Quick, USA (Ret.)

October 26, 1943 – March 24, 2026

Burnie Quick – a soldier, civic servant, leader, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at home in Columbus, GA on March 24, 2026. He was 82 years old. Those who knew him best knew him as a fighter: a man who met every chapter of life with courage, grit, and an unshakeable resolve to find joy in it. Even in death.

Born in New Orleans, LA on October 26, 1943, Burnie lost his mother at just 11 years old. He found his footing with his aunt and uncle, Ginger and Len Preston, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (the first of many times in his life he would face hardship head-on and never look back). It was at Marion Military Institute that he found both his calling as an infantryman and the love of his life, Mary Frances McDonald. He earned his degree from Troy State University in 1965 and later a Master’s in Psychology from the University of Georgia in 1972.

Commissioned into the regular army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1965, Burnie was a lifelong Airborne Infantry Ranger serving 28 distinguished years across the globe. He began as a platoon leader with the Berlin Brigade during some of the tensest years of the Cold War, then deployed twice to Vietnam. First as a platoon leader and company commander with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry, the 4th Infantry Division, and again with D Company, 2nd Battalion,16th Infantry, the 1st Infantry Division, where he served as a company commander and intelligence officer. In Germany, he went on to command the 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry, 3rd Infantry Division, and later the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. Prior to his last post, Burnie served as Chief of Staff of the 3rd Infantry Division in Würzburg, finally retiring in 1994 as Chief of Staff of Fort Benning, GA. An installation he helped earn the designation of Best Large Military Installation in the world.

His decorations included two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, and a Bronze Star for Valor with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. Other military schools he completed include the National War College and the British Higher Command and Staff College. In 2014, he was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor. 

Retirement for Burnie simply meant the next mission. He served as President of Uptown Columbus, Inc. and launched the Columbus Business Improvement District, playing a meaningful role in helping transform downtown Columbus into the thriving destination it is today.

In 2009, Burnie launched what he called his favorite career of all: a life as Grandaddy. He said it himself: “I loved every day I spent in the Army. I loved every day I spent revitalizing downtown Columbus. But my true calling is enjoying retirement with my wife Frances, children Shannon and Jeffery, and two grandchildren, Parker and Lacey. And of course, the Georgia Bulldogs!”

He lived by a creed he passed on to his children: “Life is too hard as it is. Find the joyful moments in every little interaction you have with people, no matter how big or small the moment.”

Two weeks before he passed, he left one final instruction: “Don’t let people mourn me too long. Make people laugh and remember the good times we had.” That was Burnie. Fighter. Lover. Light of every room he entered.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances McDonald Quick; his daughter, Shannon Reid Quick of Columbus; his son, Jeffery Wade Quick of Atlanta, daughter-in-law Amanda McAvan Quick, and grandchildren Parker Moseley Quick and Lacey Rose Quick; and his sister, Mary Reid Flukinger of Columbus, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Burnet Quick 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, 11am-12pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church: 1130 1st Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901. Visitation to follow in the church. The Inurnment Thursday 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 request donations be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, The Historic Columbus Foundation or Marion Military Institute in Marion, AL.