Family, Friends & Bethune-Cookman Alumni Celebrate the Life of Wildcat Superstar Harry L. Burney, III

HARRY LAWRENCE BURNEY, III was born on September 29, 1944, in Tampa, Florida to the late Harry Lawrence Burney, Jr. and Iona Mack Burney. Harry passed away peacefully on April 18, 2020, from complications of the Coronavirus at the Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the older of two children. His sister, Sandra Burney Vanterpool Smalls, predeceased him. 

He was reared in Crescent City, Florida. He finished high school at Middleton High in Crescent City where his father was the school Principal and where his mother taught 3rd grade. Middleton High was subsequently renamed Middleton-Burney Elementary School in Crescent City. He graduated from Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, FL with a Bachelor of Science in biology. The Burney family distinguished itself as one of the families who were all graduates of Bethune-Cookman College. Burney also studied at American University in Washington, D.C.

While at Bethune-Cookman College, his gift as a vocalist was recognized in the Concert Chorale, which led him to pursue further development of his talent. Also, following in his father’s footsteps, he became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Beta Chapter. 

Burney served as a Captain in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in the Medical Corps from 1965-1971. He received an Honorable Discharge on December 2, 1971. 

On June 27, 1970, he married Sandra A. Broadnax of Philadelphia, PA., an English teacher who studied abroad in England, France, and Italy. Mrs. Burney often spoke of Harry’s fluency in German, French, and Italian. To this union, their only child, Harry “Chip” Lawrence Burney, IV was born. The marriage ended in divorce but they remained lifelong good friends because of their mutual love for their son, granddaughter, and the arts. 

Harry always spoke proudly of his son whom he affectionately nicknamed “Chip” (a reference to Judge Curtis “Chip” Carson, Jr. who introduced him to Sandra). Chip is a gifted teacher and mentor to his high school students in a regional high school near Philadelphia. He is a 1994 graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in marketing. He also holds certification from Eastern University in Health and Exercise Sciences. He has been a dedicated girls’ basketball coach for many years and has successfully mentored students into being accepted into historically Black colleges and universities. With great patience and compassion, Chip and his Aunt Joyce (Harry’s sister-cousin) lovingly cared for his father during his senior years. 

Harry’s granddaughter Dylan’s musical talents and love of the performing arts complements those of her grandfather. Dylan’s beautiful full range (soprano—alto) voice can be heard in songs of praise at her church. Harry delighted hearing about her performances and treasured a video of one given to him. Dylan’s love of chemistry and consistent honor roll commendations have inspired her aspiration to become an anesthesiologist. She will complete high school in 2021 at the Friends School in suburban Philadelphia, Pa. She is currently touring colleges and universities. 

Many of Harry’s conversations about his family would include his “sister-cousin”, Joyce (Hanks) Moorehead, Esq., whom he loved. From their growing up together in Crescent City and throughout his life, he was enthusiastically supported by her. From the beginning to the end, she remained the “president” of his fan club, his “go-to,” most ardent supporter and family anchor. Joyce was the strongest and primary anchor during Harry’s senior years. She was the anchor for all his basic needs with unconditional love and care. 

Living in Philadelphia, Harry began his work experience as a Pharmaceutical representative with Merck, Sharp, and Dohme (Merck Pharmaceuticals). Bethune-Cookman College called him in 1972, to appoint him as the Director of Student Recruitment which suited him well because of his dynamic, charismatic personality. 

After his father’s death, and becoming increasingly recognized as a gifted Bass-Baritone, Harry remained in Daytona Beach as The Artist-in-Residence at The Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Beach, Fl. He was also the Creative Consultant for Walt Disney World’s Lion King show near Orlando, Fl. He sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the Daytona 500 in 1989 and showcased his musical talent with stage productions, television shows, commercials, films, concerts, and operas around the globe. Harry directed a multinational cast in “I Am an American” for the National Conference of Christians and Jews in Orlando, Florida, and created, directed and produced “So You Wanna Be a Star,” a program for students with special talents and special challenges in Volusia County, Florida. He appeared on Nickelodeon daily as “Ellington” in “Allegra’s Window” and was the acting coach for the network’s show “My Brother and Me.” He performed regularly for youth and senior audiences, teaching multicultural education. 

Wherever goodwill and cultural advancement in the Arts were needed, one could always find Harry Burney giving his time and talent for worthy causes. Harry later moved to New York City and participated in the inauguration of New York City Mayor David Dinkins with Nobel Peace Prize recipient Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Rev. Jesse Jackson. His many other highlights included playing the role of “Crown” in Porgy and Bess at Teatro Comunale in Florence, Italy and several times has performed “Balthazar in the New York Grand Opera production of Amahl and the Night Visitors. He also toured with Harry Belafonte, Patti LaBelle, and Geoffrey Holder. He appeared in Little Shop of Horrors, The Devil and Daniel Webster, “Jim” in Big River, on Broadway, “Ain’t Misbehavin," “Showboat,” as “Troy” in August Wilson’s Fences and “Hoke” in Driving Miss Daisy. 

Amid all his theatrical, musical, and teaching experiences, God and family were foremost in his life. He was a faithful member of The Church of the Intercession in New York City. His was the voice you heard on voicemail when calling the church. He was the soloist, choir director and The Rev. Rhonda Robinson stated he played “Jesus” during the Good Friday pageant. He was known for his kindness and generosity as well. He was deeply loved and cherished as a member of the congregation. 

Harry’s formidable performing talents and sincere interest in humanity and community activism have left a legacy of admiration, inspiration, and love which we will cherish. He shall forever reign in our hearts, mind, and spirit remembering the richness of his voice and his talent as a gifted artist. Harry’s work on earth is done. We mourn his death but we celebrate his life. We believe he is at rest as he continues to sing in God’s celestial choir. Thanks, Be to God. 

Harry was predeceased by his parents and sister. He is survived by his son, Harry “Chip” Lawrence Burney, IV, his granddaughter, Dylan Lawrence Burney, his sister-cousin, Joyce Hanks Moorehead, Esq. and her husband Thomas Moorehead, his ex-wife, Sandra Broadnax Burney-Boxley and her husband Packard L. Boxley, his nephew, David Lawrence Vanterpool and Felicia Vanterpool and their children Kendel Madison Vanterpool and Devin Lawrence Vanterpool, his goddaughter, Tarryn Brennon, Esq., maternal aunt Mrs. Bettye Mack Graham, his paternal aunts Mrs. Gloria Burney Arrington and husband Dr. James Arrington; and many other relatives, extended family, and friends.

The family has established the Harry Burney Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Bethune-Cookman University for music majors to honor Mr. Burney's legacy. Make checks payable to Bethune Cookman University; Office of Institutional Advancement, 640 Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 with “Harry Burney Memorial Endowed Scholarship” in the memo line.