Burness Weldon (B.W.) Dalton, 86, of Calhoun, Ga., passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024. B.W. was born in Boynton Beach, Fla., on July 18, 1937, to Burness Osborne (B.O.) and Julia Frances (Fain) Dalton of Piggott, Ark.

B.W. was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Steven Weldon Dalton and Charles Rutledge (Chuck) Dalton; cousin, Maxine Tanner, and mother-in-law, Mims Herndon.

B.W. is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Robin Dalton; son, Fain Dalton (wife Sandra); father- in-law, Robert Herndon; six grandchildren: Bekah Dalton Cochran, Josh Dalton, Luke Dalton, Jacob Dalton, Michael Dalton, and Mandy Dalton. He is also survived by eight greatgrandchildren. He loved and cherished the time he spent with Cole, Charlotte Grace, Fischer, and Marshall Cochran. He loved and enjoyed being part of their lives as Grandpapa.

B.W. graduated from Piggott High School in 1956. He then attended the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., until receiving his draft notice. He served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant where he trained B-52 crews. He also served in the Piggott National Guard and was a member of the Piggott American Legion.

Following his service in the United States Air Force, he returned to Piggott where he was elected to two terms as Circuit Court Clerk and served from 1963-1966. He then was elected to two terms as Clay County Sheriff and Collector and served from 1967-1970.

He enjoyed being involved in the community by participating as a member of both the Piggott Lions Club and the Piggott Jaycees. He held a loyal and true affection for Piggott and its citizens throughout his entire life. He developed many acquaintances throughout Clay County through his campaigns, but also continued

Burness Weldon (B.W.) Dalton

life-long friendships with many of his high school classmates whom he cherished.

B.W. retained his membership at the Piggott First United Methodist Church and participated with the youth programs while residing in Piggott.

B.W. was also honored to be a 32nd degree Mason in the Piggott Masonic Lodge #545 for 63 years. He had received his 50 year pin in 2010. He was also proud to become a member of the Valley of Jonesboro, Ark., Scottish Rite in 2004. As a member of the Masons, he was proud of his service as a DeMolay Dad and working with the youth.

After his years in public office, he began working as a traveling salesman across the Southeastern states. While living in Alabama, he became a Crimson Tide fan. However, due to his love of the state of Arkansas, the Bama/ Razorback games presented conflicting emotions.

In 1984, he moved to Calhoun, Ga., with his wife, Robin. He lived his life to the fullest and left a positive, lasting impression to all who knew him. B.W. never met a stranger and could talk to anyone, share a smile, or an act of kindness which made them feel respected, important, and seen.

Visitation and funeral services were held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun, Ga. Masonic graveside services followed at Fain Cemetery in Calhoun. Serving as pallbearers were Cole Cochran, Josh Dalton, Luke Dalton, Chad Crawford, Steve Jackson, Dewayne Grizzle, and Darrell Grizzle.