Willis Winfred Burkett

Published 6:04 pm Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Mr. Willis Winfred Burkett, affectionately known as “Strawberry”, 90, passed away at his home on Friday, July 28, 2017. Mr. Burkett loved the Lord and his family. He loved helping people. He and his wife Shirley were in the insurance industry for more than 30 years. He always tried to make his customers feel like family, not just numbers. He is also noted for loving golf. He was never happier than on the course on a nice sunny day. Mr. Burkett was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Texanna Burkett; daughter, Donna Stephenson; brothers, Raymond, AV, Millard and Ervin Burkett; and sisters, Ruby Black, Olia Anderson, Ruth Blackburn and Meryle McKelvy. Mr. Burkett is survived by his wife, Shirley M. Burkett; sons, Terry (Patti) Burkett and Danny (Cheryl) Baker; and son-in-law, Steve Stephenson; daughter, Sherry (Andy) Thomas; grandsons, Corey Stephenson, Steven (Tanya) Stephenson, Natji Baker, Haken (Amy) Baker and Tyler (Kelcie) Thomas; granddaughters, Christy (Dick) Newton, April Ivey, Ashley Burkett (Cody Johnston), Jessica (Jimmy) Burcham, Callan Burkett and Lori (Brandon) Glover; 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service was held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 30, 2017 from the Johnson Funeral Chapel with Pastors Eric Jackson and Lane Simmons officiating. Burial followed in Providence Cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home of Georgiana, Ala., directed arrangements. Pallbearers were Chris Hollyhand, Corey Stephenson, Cody Johnston, Jimmy Burcham, Steven Stephenson, Hunter Jackson, Nic Newton, and Tyler Newton. Honorary Pallbearer is John Jernigan. Online condolences can be made at www.johnsongeorgiana.com.