Mr. Burhan Spahija, age 64, of Dahlonega, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023. Burhan, the youngest of two sons, was born in Tirana, Albania on August 21, 1958. Growing up in a communist country limited his family's academic and economic opportunities. Nonetheless, Burhan's parents imparted a passion for hard work ethics and a curiosity for learning.

As an adult, Burhan became an accomplished electrician. He married Mariana Golloshi in 1990. The economic shambles of communist rule limited work opportunities. When his baby son needed surgery Burhan crossed the border to Greece, an act punishable by death, to earn enough money for his son's surgery. When apprehended by the Greek police, beaten, and sent back to Albania, Burhan didn't hesitate to secretly return to Greece again, for the sake of his son's medical needs.

In 1998 Burhan and Mariana, along with then seven-year-old son, Saed, and two-year-old daughter, Ada immigrated to the United States, settling in Dahlonega, Georgia. From the time of their arrival throughout their 25 years in Dahlonega the Spahija family endeared themselves to the community, establishing a wealth of friendships. Burhan and Mariana willingly asked for help as they settled in America; equally, they were always looking for opportunities to help anyone. When Burhan immigrated, he spoke little to no English. He enthusiastically embraced any work opportunity and became the custodian for Dahlonega United Methodist Church. An exceedingly bright and determined man, in a few short years, Burhan mastered the English language and was able to utilize his electrician skills. As a naturalized citizen, Burhan continued to hone his craft and established Alliance Electric. Burhan was regarded as a highly successful electrician and businessman through his personal and professional electrical services.

Several years after the passing of his beloved wife Mariana, Burhan found love again and remarried native Albanian, Nasire Xharavina. The couple enjoyed fun-humored joking and lovingly teasing one another. With no children of her own Nasire embraced her relationship with Saed and Ada and cared for them as her own. Burhan built a lovely home for Nasire, which reflects so much of who he was, a craftsman builder, providing refuge for rest and fellowship for family and friends. An avid reader of history, books in the home reflect his appetite for knowledge.

Family and friends will miss this thoughtful and generous man who had the heart of a lion, was a great storyteller, and could light up a room. As a husband, father, and grandfather (Baba) Burhan will be remembered as a hero for his courageous determination. His family is forever grateful for everything he did to give them the best life possible.

Burhan is preceded in death by his parents, Eqerem and Sabire Reka Spahija, brother Ibrahim and his first wife, Mariana. He is survived by his wife, Nasire, children Saed (Alicia), Ada and grandson, Luka; sister Lejla Heta; like-daughter nieces Ajsela Spahija, Sabina Spahija and Rosela Golloshi Pritchard (Cashif); numerous family and friends in Albania; stateside Albanian friends Petraq Bardho and family, Lee and Mira Zajmi family, Florian and Gela Trifka and the community of Albanian friends and many Lumpkin County residents who cherished him.

The family will receive family and friends on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Memorial gifts may be given to Lumpkin County Special Games; mail to Lumpkin County Schools Central Office, 56 Indian Drive, Dahlonega, GA. 30533 or One Child El Salvador P. O. Box 274, Dahlonega, GA. 30533 or online https://onechildelsalvador.org/ (note in memory of Burhan Spahija).

To share a memory or a condolence with the family, visit Burhan's  online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, 2068 U.S. 19 Business, Dahlonega, GA 30533