F. Burt Vardeman
F. Burt Vardeman, RPA, served as 1982 BOMA Atlanta President.
Burt served as BOMA Southern Region President from 1989 to 1992. He was awarded Honorary Membership by BOMA Atlanta in 1992 and Life Membership in BOMA International in 1993. In 2008, at the age of 83, nineteen years after he retired, with the BOMA federation continuing to appreciate his leadership, service, and care for others, he received Life Membership from the BOMA Southern Region.
Burt was also awarded the 1985 George F. Richardson Award and the 1986 William Clonts Award. Additionally, he earned the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation from the Building Owners and Managers Institute.
According to his obituary from legacy.com, “Frank Burton Vardeman, Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at home in Wesley Woods Towers in Atlanta on September 13, 2020, with his beloved wife, Martha, by his side. Burt was born in Columbus, Georgia, on February 2, 1925, the eldest of 4 sons, to Lucile Blau & Frank Burton Vardeman, Sr.
“Burt was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943. During World War II, he served as a Flight Radio Operator on B-24 Liberator bombers with the 15th Air Force, surviving 31 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe. Burt’s Bomb Group was frequently escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen. ‘I owe my life to the Red Tails,’ Burt said.
“Burt attended Auburn University through the GI Bill. There, he met his ‘Sweetie Pie,” Martha Frances Hay, and they married in 1948. In 1949 he graduated with a B.S. in Building Construction.
“Martha’s father was called by the Presbyterian Church to serve as President of Stillman College, a historically black college in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After graduation, Burt and Martha joined him at Stillman where Burt served as Business and Property Manager for 16 years against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Burt oversaw the construction and management of 10 major buildings, which contributed to Stillman’s accreditation as a four-year college. Burt considered this his greatest professional accomplishment.
“During this time in Tuscaloosa Burt and Martha were busy rearing their four children, Frances, Frank, Cile, and Marty. Burt and family moved to Atlanta in 1965 where he oversaw the building and administration of the Presbyterian Church (US) headquarters. Burt continued in the field of property management until his retirement in 1989.
“Burt gave his time and talents to Kiwanis, BOMA, North Decatur Presbyterian Church, and the larger Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). He took on leadership roles and served on numerous committees in each organization. Burt genuinely liked and respected all people, wanting all to feel welcome. He was often at the door to offer a warm greeting at gatherings. He was known for his smile and bowties, which he took pride in tying himself, even on his 95th birthday.
“In retirement, Burt shared his World War II experience and deep gratitude for the heroism of the Tuskegee Airmen through multiple interviews and speaking engagements. On behalf of his Bomber Group, he donated paintings of the “Red Tails” in action to the Tuskegee Airmen Museum (AL) in 2010. He was made an Honorary Tuskegee Airman.
“Burt became a ham radio operator after the War and enjoyed it into his 90s, leading the Country Cousins in nightly prayer. He enjoyed golf and fishing, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family. Burt and Martha built their family on a foundation of love and support; their strong marriage an inspiration for us all. From holidays and family reunions to birthdays, their home was a place of gathering and celebration. They started a tradition of an annual family beach trip in the 1950s, which continues today with the next generations.”
Two of the comments added to Burt’s obituary on legacy.com include the following: “Burt was one of the finest men I have ever known and a true friend,” said Douglas Cobb; and “Burt signed every email ‘your friend.’ And he meant it. Seeing it warmed my heart every single time,” said Roberta Goldbaugh.