George Neal Burkett Sr.

George Neal Burkett Sr., 86, of Rural Retreat, Va., (the Groseclose Community) died Thursday, July 22, 2010, in Johnson City Medical Center, Johnson City, Tenn. He was born on March 6, 1924, in Groseclose, Va., the son of the late Oscar J. and Ella Meredith Burkett. He was a World War II Veteran of the Army, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment 2nd Armored Division, having served in England, France, Belgium and Germany during the war. He was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge and received "The Purple Heart". He was a devoted life time member of Fulton United Methodist Church. He was a farmer, a truck driver, a member of the American Legion, VFW and DAV. He enjoyed talking about his experience driving the truck and also about the Army. Neal was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, O.J. "Jay" Burkett; and brother-in-law, James L. Lambert. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ethel Maxey Burkett; two sons, George N. Burkett Jr. and wife, Mona, Philip D. Burkett and special friend, Jennifer Mitchell, all of Rural Retreat, Va.; four grandchildren, Deanne Bonham and husband, Victor, Jennifer Burkett, Logan Burkett, Hannah Burkett; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Hamm and Madylin Bonham; a brother, Sam Burkett and wife, Helen; a sister, Katherine B. Lambert, all of Marion, Va.; a sister-in-law, Linda K. Burkett, of Rural Retreat, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 2010, at the Fulton United Methodist Church with the Rev. RuthAnne Henley officiating. Interment will follow in the Kimberlin Cemetery with Military Rites being conducted by Marion V.F.W. Post # 4667. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time at the church or they may call at the home at any time. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Fulton United Methodist Church, 209 Larch Street, Marion, Va. 24354. Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, Va. is handling the arrangements.