William Ray Burkhart, Sr.

William Ray Burkhart, Sr., 80, life-long resident of Greenville, Indiana, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2014 at his home. He retired from American Synthetic Rubber. Bill was the former master of the Greenville Masonic Lodge #416, the former chief of the Greenville Fire Department, as well as the former president for over 50 years of the Greenlawn Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Greenville and one of the founders of New Testament Christian Church.

Bill was born on January 13, 1934 in Greenville to the late Jesse and Ruby (Sweeney) Burkhart. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Earl and Harold Lee Burkhart.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret (Kannapel) Burkhart; children, Karen Ollis, William Burkhart, Jr. (Rebecca), Lisa Burkhart, Sherri Jecker (Nick); siblings, Sylvia Skaggs, Norma Dement, Irene Vance, Kenny Burkhart (Suzie), Dallas Burkhart (Jan); sister-in-law, Betty Burkhart; 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-granddaughter.

Visitation will be 12 to 8 PM Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at Newcomer (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana) and on Wednesday after 9 AM. His Funeral Service will be at 11 AM Wednesday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greenville.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Testament Christian Church (P.O. Box 91, Greenville, IN 47124).