Advance, N.C.

Bill Burkett, a native of Rich Valley, VA and formerly of Fairfax, VA and Advance, NC, was a beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle and mentor to the thousands of students he taught during his 43-year teaching career.  After a long battle with Lewy Body dementia, Bill gained his angel wings like he lived his life - with quiet dignity on December 2, 2024.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Charlie Otis and Mildred (Surber) Burkett of Saltville, VA and siblings Sexton Burkett, Maxine Benson, Benny Burkett and Bettie Burkett.

Bill is survived by his cherished wife Reba (Dowdy) of 56 years, their two children; William Burkett (Connie) of Claremont, NC , Anne Rudert (Bill) of Winston-Salem, NC, five grandchildren; Hunter (Breanna) Burkett, Bryson Burkett, Luke Burkett, Sadie Rudert and Vivian Rudert; and great granddaughter Mallory Burkett; siblings Sue Webb (Howard) of Bristol, TN, Curtis Burkett (Vicki) of Abingdon, VA and Patty Prater (Nelson) of Saltville, VA; sisters-in-law Nancy Burkett (Lebanon, VA) and Judy Burkett (Wytheville, VA).  In addition, he will be missed by countless Burkett and Dowdy family members.

Bill was an educator, fence builder and coach.  After graduating from Emory & Henry College, Bill took his first teaching and coaching positions at Floyd High School from 1967-1969.  After spending their first year of marriage in Floyd, Bill and Reba decided to relocate to Northern Virginia, where he worked for Fairfax County Public School schools for 32 years – spending 25 of those years at West Springfield High School.  Upon retiring from Virginia and moving to North Carolina to be closer to his children, Bill taught an additional nine years in Yadkin County, NC working with at risk high school students.

Bill started Burkett Fence Company to help support his growing family.  The grit and determination he learned working as a child in the tobacco fields of Southwestern Virginia were the foundation of his business.  After school, weekends and full time in the summer, Bill built a business with a reputation for dependability and craftsmanship.  His work crew consisted of current and former students that to this day view him as a mentor and father figure.

Athletics were always an important part of Bill's life.  He was a star athlete and played multiple sports in high school and college, including football, baseball, basketball and track and field.  He transitioned to coaching after his playing days ended.  Over the years, he coached football, basketball and track and field.  Even long after he could have walked off the field and handed in his whistle, Bill kept coaching football for several years at Forbush High School in NC.  His leadership, positive outlook and experience inspired many fellow coaches and a multitude of players.

More than anything, Bill's love and pride in his family was beyond measure.  Bill, with Reba by his side, created a family whose roots were grounded in their Christian faith and giving back to the community.  His strong arms were a place of comfort and solace for his children and grandchildren.  He loved nothing more than watching his grandchildren play a sport, dance on the stage or succeed in the classroom.  Bill always knew what to say to soothe a tear or produce a laugh or smile.  He was the rock and center of his family.

Relatives and friends will be welcomed at Henderson Funeral Home, 148 East Main St, Saltville, VA on Friday, December 6, 5-7 pm.  A funeral service will be held at McCready UMC, 1807 Saltville Hwy, Saltville, VA on Saturday, December 7 at 1 pm with the interment to follow at Ridgedale UMC, 1112 Ridgedale Rd, Saltville, VA

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Dowdy-Burkett Fund at Emory & Henry College.  Please send funds to:

The Dowdy -Burkett Scholarship
c/o Emory & Henry University
PO Box 950
Emory, VA 24327

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of George William "Bill" Burkett.