George Washington Burke

George Washington Burke, 86, of Panama City, FL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. He was born in Bay County, FL on June 30, 1936, to the late Ernest and Emma Burke.
George was raised in the Bay Harbor area most of his life. He met and married his wife, Etharee, as a young man and they spent the next 61 years raising a family and building a life together. Early in life, he enlisted in the Navy and earned his Navy Academy diploma. He later transitioned into the US Marine Corp where he proudly served for 20 years, retiring as a MSGT. George did two tours in Vietnam, earning himself two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, a gold star, and a silver medal, among several other awards and medals he received throughout his military career.
After retirement, George decided to open BB Garage in Springfield, FL where he serviced the area for another 20 years, until his final retirement. With his own two hands, he built the home of Etharee's dreams in Southport, where they lived happily for many years. When he wasn't working on boats or cars, George enjoyed fishing, hunting, scuba diving, and being the best Papa to his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his family dearly and will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Etharee Ward Burke; his parents; siblings, Bowers, Ford, Tampa, Walter, Edsel, Lucy Mae, Martha, and Oceola; and a grandson, Cameron.
Left to cherish George's memory include his children, Wanda (Danny), Yanda (Bobby), and Stoney (Lisa); 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters, Kitty and Annette.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 10:00 am at Heritage Funeral Home with Chaplain Michael Bryan officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.
Special thank you to George's beloved granddaughter, Natasha for her unconditional love, dedication, and care that she provided to George in his final years. Special thank you to his caretaker, Laurie and his VA nurse, Kelly, and to Krista Hobbs at the local VA for all their help and support.