Gladys Woodson says Joe Burner, her next-door neighbor on Palace Lane for nearly 30 years, has only one wish: that he will always be able to help others. She says Burner and his wife Dorothy "go out of their way to be of help to others and they do it with such a willing spirit."

Dorothy Burner simply laughs and says her husband is the person to talk to, the one who does the volunteer work.


Burner says he doesn't do much, merely cuts the lawn for Woodson and helps other elderly people in the neighborhood if he can. He also helps with Meals on Wheels deliveries as a relief driver and assists the York County Social Services Department with commodity distributions. He says he hasn't been able to work with the commodity program recently because he had surgery.

Although Burner downplays his efforts, Woodson says he and his wife deserve a lot of credit because "they have truly been a good neighbor to me for 30 years."


Family: Wife, Dorothy, married almost 47 years; one daughter, Darlena; one son, Gary; two granddaughters.

Hometown: Born in Warren County. Came to the Williamsburg area in 1916.

What makes me tick: My children and grandchildren.

Motto: Help others.

Turning point in my life: Joining C&P; Telephone after World War II. I worked there for 32 years before I retired Jan. 1, 1982.

Greatest feat: Living to be 72 - if I make it to the 24th of this month.

Greatest asset: My wife, who's stayed with me almost 47 years.

Worst fear: Becoming incapacitated and not being able to enjoy life.


Pet peeve: People who don't observe the speed limit on the interstate.

Hobbies: Collecting and making clocks.

Restaurants: The George Washington Inn.

Foods: Everything that's fattening, but I can't eat it. I can eat and do enjoy fish and steaks.

Vacation spots: The Outer Banks.

TV programs: The news.


Radio station: WKEZ.

Magazines: Popular Science, Popular Mechanics.

Music: Country-western, Big Band.

Five-year goal: To stay healthy, continue to enjoy life and help others if I can.