Elbert "Ray" Burkhalter

Ray Burkhalter, 79, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025. He was born on March 13, 1945 in Oklahoma to Elbert Burkhalter and Avis (Bynam) Kundysek, both of whom preceded him in death, along with his infant daughter, Shannon Burkhalter.

Ray proudly served in the United States Air Force.  Upon his honorable discharge, Ray worked many years as a real estate appraiser and received his certification as a Master of Appraiser license.  

 Ray was an avid Trap shooter, competing in many local events as well as National events - He once won first place in a Tri-state competition. He passed his love for shooting and competing down to his son and grandsons. 

Due to declining health Ray and Sherry were not able to live together in the same facility but both were elated to move back home in their final months and were together in the weeks before Sherry‘s passing.  After Sherry passed away, Ray had one single focus, and that was to be with Sherry again. His health decline quickly and less than 12 weeks later he is reunited with his bride of 57 years.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Ray’s hospice team, particularly his nurse, Jeanie Hicks, and his caregiver, Kathyn Gonzalez, whose compassion and dedication brought comfort to Ray and his family in his final days.

Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife Sherry, his parents, and his siblings:  Ronald Burkhalter and Joy Jacobson.

Ray is survived by his son, Thomas Burkhalter, and his wife, Tammy; and his cherished grandchildren: Trea Livingston, Tylor Burkhalter, his wife, Libby, Tiffany Hohman and her husband, Collin, and Tate Burkhalter; great-grandchildren: Raegan, Sawyer, River, Ronin, Vera, Emmy, Hobbs, and Teddy.  Ray’s love and warmth extended beyond his immediate family, including Raylee, his wife Tiffany, and their children, as well as Tia, her husband Ryan, and their children. Ray’s presence in the lives of those who knew him was a constant source of joy and comfort, and he will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

A service to honor Ray’s memory will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 2 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton, officiated by Pastor Burrel Crabtree and his grandson Tylor Burkhalter. Ray’s family invites all who knew him to celebrate his life.

Service entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.