Richard Burkett

Mr. Richard Wayne Burkett, 66, of Rayle, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, in Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Mr. Burkett was a native of Pensacola, FL, and had lived in Wilkes County for about 14 years.He was a member of Praise Center Church in Monroe. He was a former Merchant Marine, and was a member of the American Legion in Lexington. Mr. Burkett is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Willingham Perez, of Rayle; two daughters, Kimberly B. Perritt (Richard), of Pace, FL, and Melody B Humphrey (Chuck), of Greensboro; one son, Richard D. Burkett, of Dalton; one step-son, Brian Baker (Linda), of Monroe; and one step-sister, Gail Barton (Robert), of Blountstown, FL; six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and 8 step grandchildren. Graveside services will be 4:00pm Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery in Rayle with Rev. Donnie Berry officiating.Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 1:30 - 3:30 pm at Hopkins Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Nancy Long Cancer Benefit.