Bidd Ernest Burton

Bidd Ernest Burton, 92, went to be with the Lord on August 18, 2018 at the Highlands Cashiers Hospital. 

He was born on November 23, 1925 in Clayton, Georgia and was raised by his mother, Alice Missouri Baty and his stepfather, R. Augustus Baty.  Bidd was a loving husband, father and friend.  Growing up in Highlands, North Carolina instilled in him a love of nature and a willingness to help others.  Although he lived in many wonderful places, his heart remained in his early mountain roots.

Bidd started his adventures early by joining the United States Navy in September 1943.  With his country at war, he felt the need to enlist even though it took him to the distant Pacific Ocean serving aboard both on the USS Saratoga and the USS Randolph.  He flew as an aerial gunner in the High Torpedo Squadron VT(53).  In November 1946—only one day before his 21st birthday—he was honorably discharged from the Navy. 

Although he returned shortly to Highlands following his discharge, his commitment to helping others led him to become a North Carolina State Trooper.  This began a long and rich career in law enforcement.  He was stationed in Washington, North Carolina where in 1950 he fell in love with a beautiful waitress, Hilda Grey Scott, at the local diner.  It was almost love at first sight for both of them.  By June 4, 1951 they were wed and stayed committed to each other for more than 65 years. 

Bidd’s jobs provided them an opportunity to travel the country.  He was a Metropolitan Police Officer in Washington D.C. for several years before deciding that U. S. Immigration would be his long-term home agency in law enforcement.  He joined the U.S. Border Patrol in 1957 and by 1965 was promoted up to being a U.S. Immigration Adjudicator.  Even after retiring in 1993, he continued to serve by teaching Immigration Law at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Glynco, Georgia. 

In 2000, he returned home to Highlands with his wife to enjoy friends and family during retirement. Bidd became active member at the First Baptist Church in Highlands and at the local VFW. 

His family is comforted knowing Bidd is now reunited with his lovely wife, Hilda, who preceded him in death.  The family was also comforted by the loving care he received at the Eckerd Living Center and the Highlands Cashiers Hospital as his health declined.  Bidd was blessed to have two caring pastors visit him with messages of encouragement:  Pastor Mark Ford and Ralph Campbell.  Their compassionate ministry has been a comfort to the family.

Bidd’s children include Bidd Eugene Burton and his wife Beth who reside in Highlands, Diana Burton Roth and her husband, Brian who reside in Staunton, Virginia and Debra Burton Brown and her husband, Steven who reside in McGaheysville, Virginia.

He will be missed by his grandchildren, including Bidd Ethan Burton, Aaron Patrick Burton, Kristin Leigh Fierro, and Craig Allen Schultz.  He will also be missed by his great-granddaughter Rebecca Rose Fierro.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at the Highlands First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:30-1:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the Highlands Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Burton family.

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