Jeffrey Cameron Burr

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeff Burr. A friend, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Jeff died peacefully in his home in Dalton, Georgia on Tuesday night, October 10, 2023, at age 62.

Born July 18th, 1961, Jeff’s life journey was marked by both extraordinary achievement and extraordinary humility. The legendary Dalton native’s love of art & film began early after receiving his first camera at the age of 10. After graduating from Dalton High School in 1979, Jeff’s gifts for the arts and passion for film took him to the University of Southern California film school and on to Hollywood.

Although Jeff became most widely known for his work on films like Pumpkin Head II, Puppet Master 4 & 5, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Jeff was most proud of his more nuanced, signature films including, Divided We Fall, the award-winning film that placed Jeff on the Hollywood radar, From a Whisper to a Scream, filmed in his hometown, Dalton, GA, Jeff’s first feature film, Eddie Presley, and Straight into Darkness, a personal film that pays tribute to Jeff’s family history in the military.

Despite the fame and recognition his art brought him, Jeff remained humble and generous throughout his lifetime, crediting much of his success to his modest beginnings at the Creative Arts Guild and The Little Theater, where Burr was among the first group of young filmmakers to be supported by these entities. Perhaps because of this, as an adult, Jeff generously gave his time, knowledge, and resources to numerous community institutions, like the Creative Arts Guild, and to aspiring individuals interested in the film industry—always teaching, giving, and pushing others toward their dreams.

Jeff’s charitable giving throughout the community stretched across decades, touched many facets of community organizations, and was most often given on the condition of anonymity. One of his most treasured projects was the birth of Burr Park in downtown Dalton. For Jeff, along with his mother, the late Jeanne Burr, Burr Park was a labor of love that provided a space for neighbors and friends to come together and share in a love for the arts and one another. Jeff was also an active contributor to programs like Big Red Reads through Dalton Public Schools and Meals on Wheels through St. Marks Episcopal Church, where Jeff was a member.

Although he leaves behind a remarkable body of work and undoubted artistry, Jeff’s most profound legacy will be left among those who knew him best as a tremendous friend and loving family man. He was noted among those closest to him for his modest nature, servant’s heart, and genuine love for others. Jeff served as caretaker for his mother until her death in 2020, as well as other family members who depended on Jeff’s care.

Because of his selflessness, Jeff’s life leaves behind a lasting impression of kindness and encourages us to love and be gracious to one another. Jeff’s distinctive laugh, wit, and humble character will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but his legacy lives on in the heartfelt stories shared by those his life touched. His family and friends thank you for the outpouring of love, and stories, and for joining us in celebration of his memory.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, William Deming Burr, Jr., Jeanne Louise Von Daacke Burr, and his brother, William Demming Burr, III. Jeff is survived by his life partner of 38 years, Terese Mitchell. Jeff is also survived by family members and their families, including Tammy and Steve Herndon, Bill and Christie Mitchell, Heith and Caroline Frost, Georgeanne Mitchell and Damien DeMatteo, Will Mitchell, Chase Herndon, Mitchell Herndon, Ellis Herndon, Mary Margaret Herndon, Jack Wilson, and Violet Wilson. He is also survived by an uncle and cousins in New York and Virginia.

A celebration of life for Jeff will be held at Burr Park later. Jeff’s family and friends kindly request that donations be made in Jeff Burr’s memory to the Jeff Burr Fund at Burr Park (mail contributions to Gordon Morehouse, 4519 Tibbs Bridge Road, SE, Dalton, GA 30721).