1928
Raymond
2016
Raymond Burkhart
January 13, 1928 — September 6, 2016
Raymond Burkhart was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed, and will always be
cherished. Our “Pop,” as he was called by his grandchildren, was an exceptional father,
husband, son, brother, and friend. He stepped into eternity on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.
His story began on January 13, 1928, when he became the third of six children born to
Leonard and Lula Burkhart. He worked the crops on the family farm with his brothers,
attended the Oak Grove School and Woodlawn High School, and graduated in 1946. His
adventurous and jovial spirit was evident from an early age. This adventuresome spirit
led him to embark on many journeys. One such journey included an impromptu trip to
New York City with his buddies, Joe and Charlie Ross, where they ended up working at
White Castle as cooks!
By 1950, Raymond was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict. He was based
in Ft. Benning, GA. During his stint in the Army, Raymond married the love of his life,
the late Mary Evelyn (Welker) Burkhart. Their travels led them to making homes in
Detroit, MI, Cincinnati, OH, and back to Woodlawn, TN. They were blessed with three
sons (Ronald (Judy) Burkhart, Johnny (Jennifer) Burkhart, Lynn (Tracy) Burkhart), all of
Woodlawn, TN. Raymond, along with his boys, tried their hand at farming and developed
a successful, residential construction business that spanned 54 years until his retirement
at age 80. He also worked at the Birdcage on the Clarksville Base in the mid 1960’s.
Raymond was a member and elder of the Church of Christ at Needmore. He served as an
elder for 45 years. His love of the truth and studying God’s word were vital parts of his
life. He was a fervent reader, diehard Atlanta Braves fan, and had a voracious appetite for
storytelling. His daily breakfast meetings at Becky’s Diner with the morning crew were
renowned for the stories and wisdom espoused by Raymond and his friends.
Raymond’s grandchildren (Christopher (Constance) Burkhart of Smyrna, TN, Joshua
Burkhart of Birmingham, AL, Jessica (Mitchell) Keen of Knoxville, TN, Zachary
Burkhart and Hannah Burkhart of Woodlawn, TN) were some of the brightest pieces of
his life. He had the ability to make each grandchild feel special and left each with
countless memories and a legacy that will withstand the test of time.
Also, Pop is survived by his three great-grandchildren, Peter, Laura, and Shawn Burkhart of
Smyrna, TN and his brothers Roy (Marie) Burkhart and J.D. (Jane) Burkhart, sisterinlaws,
Isabelle Burkhart, Sue Burkhart, Jeanette Tollman, and Colleen Lindler, along with numerous nieces
and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Frances Bogan and brothers, Brandon Burkhart and Marshall Burkhart.
Our Pop’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, he is loved beyond
words and missed beyond measure.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond Burkhart, please visit our flower store.