William Garland Burchette Sr.

Bill was born in Hamlet, North Carolina on March 30, 1926, to the late Hattie and Joseph M. Burchette, he was the sixth of eight children. His work ethic and desire to help his then single mother and siblings during difficult economic times led him to enlist in the Marine Corps at the age of 17. Bill served for the duration of his enlistment period in the WW II Pacific Theater on Okinawa and the Marshall Islands and for two additional years as a reservist, he was part of the Joint Military Police Force during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Marine Barracks, Quantico, VA. He spent his post-military career in the Metropolitan Washington DC Police Department, starting as a foot patrol officer in January of 1949 and retiring as a Lieutenant in 1971.

In post-retirement life, Bill enjoyed serving in many roles at his churches, in Maryland and Southside Baptist Church in Sarasota. He also served many years as a Gideon in Maryland and Sarasota.

Bill is survived by his Daughters, Carole Ann Burchette (David Wilderman) of Annapolis, MD and Kathleen (Kathie) Ann King of Rock Hill, SC; and son, William G. Burchette, Jr. of Sarasota; (Betty J. Burchette); his Step-sons, Lawrence O’Connell of Jacksonville, FL; and Phil Williamson of Myakka City, FL; his grandchildren, Matthew C. Weimer (Denise Weimer) and great-grandchildren; Keagan Suddith, Cade Suddith, Jordan Weimer and Samantha Weimer; Step-grandchildren Christopher O’Connell (Carolyne) and Karen O’Connell. Bill is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his spouses D. Elizabeth Burchette, Lucille Burchette, Betty M. Burchette, Son-in-Law, Gary W. King, and Grandson, Troy M. Suddith (Cat Maselka).

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Sarasota National Cemetery.

For online tributes, please visit www.rtsfunerals.com