James Melvin “Sonny” Burns, 85, of Lexington, passed away on June 5, 2026 at Magnolia Gardens. He was born on December 6, 1940 in Davidson County to the late J.B. Burns and Lucy Elizabeth Parker Davis Burns.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at Roberts Funeral Service. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at South Lexington City Cemetery.

Sonny enjoyed collecting odds and ends throughout the years. He was formerly employed by Mid-State Tile.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers: Larry Burns, Marty Burns and Gregory Burns; and his sisters, Constance Burns and Frances K. Burns.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Rena Mason of Lexington; his grandson, Rayshann Cotton; three great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Deborah Burns and Carolyn Burns; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.