William D. "Bill" Burkey

William D. (Bill) Burkey, beloved brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and child of God, departed this life on Saturday, July 12, 2025. His last days were spent in his home under the loving and expert care of his family.

Bill was born in Alliance on October 1,1932 to Paul H. and Bernice (Bills) Burkey. He was a Class of 1950 graduate of Louisville High School. On August 11, 1951, Bill married the love of his life, Bessie J. (Wilson) Burkey. Soon after their marriage, Bill was drafted into the Army and served as an MP at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Upon returning home, with the start of their new family, Bill built the house in Maximo that would be their first home. Throughout his life, Bill's creativity and love of carpentry led to the creation of many woodworking projects treasured by his family. His talents as "family fixer" kept our homes safe and comfortable as well as our vehicles on the road. Bill also had an abiding passion to keep the building and grounds of Center Church of the Brethren in good repair and appearance as well as accessible.

In addition to these passions, Bill was a draftsman and designer for Diebold, a career which saw him awarded two patents for his work. Bill also used his varied skills to support his growing family by working multiple side jobs. But while these endeavors put a roof over our heads and food on our table, they did not fully define the life of our Daddi. He valued hard work, helping others and holding our family dear.

He was a dedicated member of Center Church of the Brethren, serving as deacon, treasurer and janitor along with various other roles over the years. Bill was also a Webelo leader for Scout Troop 222. In his retirement, Bill was an election poll worker and a tax preparer through AARP. With his building skills, he found kindred spirits while volunteering with Habitat for Humanity for 16 years. Many habitat homes have his fingerprints and sweat embedded in their structure. In October 2022, as his family and friends gathered to mark Bill's 90th birthday, he received a Mayor's Proclamation celebrating his volunteer spirit and accomplishments.

But anyone who knew Bill Burkey understood he cherished his role of husband and Daddi above all others. Bill is survived by six daughters: Betti Jo Harmon, Bonni (Wayne) Brockway, Becki (Steve) Brockway, Bobbi Burkey, Beverli (Larry) Sweitzer and Billi Janet (friend Harry Boyd) Burkey, along with his sister Annette Wilson and our beloved "Dot", sister-in-law Joanne Burkey as well as many nieces and nephews who called him "Uncle Bill". Also surviving are his grandchildren William Harmon, Joshua (Kristie, and children Levi, Anna, Elias and Amos) Brockway, Jeremy (Brigid) Brockway, Jessica (Josh and daughter Paige) Blanton, Andrew (Kendra Petzoldt and children) Brockway, Emily (Ethan and daughters Ellena, Eila and Emberlynn) Maynard and Brian (fiancée Annamaria Christian) Sweitzer.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Bessie (Wilson) Burkey, infant daughter Mary Ann, son-in-law Bill Harmon, sisters Dorothy Grimes and Elizabeth Store and brothers Paul and Gary Burkey.

Bill's family will host calling hours at Center Church of the Brethren, 2811 Ravenna Avenue NE in Louisville Wednesday evening July 16, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and 10:00 to 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 17. A Celebration of Bill's life will follow at 11:00 AM, also at the church, led by Revs. Bonni, Wayne and Joshua Brockway.

In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Habitat for Humanity of Canton and Greater Stark County.

Stier-Israel Funeral Home 330-875-1414