Alfred Flournoy Burnside, Jr. of Columbia died on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Born in Columbia on May 1, 1929, he was the son of Alfred Flournoy (Smiley) and Roberta Talbert Burnside.

Alfred graduated from Dreher High School and Yale University before receiving his medical degree from the Medical College of South Carolina in 1952. Alfred completed his four-year fellowship in general surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in 1957 after which he served two years as a physician and surgeon at the US Air Force Hospital in Zaragoza, Spain.

In 1959 Alfred returned to Columbia and began a private practice of general surgery. With the advent of HIV, Alfred became increasingly involved in counseling and prevention efforts. In 1986 he opened a private practice specializing in the treatment of HIV and became nationally known for the studies and excellent care provided for his patients.

Dr. Burnside retired and closed the Burnside Clinic in 2008.Over the years Dr. Burnside was recognized often. He was honored by the Wellspring Resource Center as Physician of the Year in 2000. He was also awarded the SC AIDS Physician of the Year Robert Ball Award in 2000. In 2002 the SC Medical Association recognized his work with the 2002 Physician Award for Community Service in recognition of his outstanding record of community service.

Dr. Burnside served the community and his patients with compassion, providing access to healthcare no matter the patient's station in life or their ability to pay.

Travel was a passion; Alfred and his partners John Windham and Bill Phillips, traveled the world to view birds and flora.

Alfred is survived by his life partner Bill Phillips; he was predeceased by his parents and John Windham. A private service will be held. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Remember Alfred fondly and do something nice for someone today in memory of him.