Born on November 12, 1963 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Thom was blessed with a gentle soul and always prioritized family above all else.
He grew to develop an easy-going demeanor, a worthy laugh, a twinkling smile, and a kind and courteous manner. Though quiet at times, Thom did enjoy engaging in conversation and sharing stories of his life. He could talk sports, music, and travel. Those of us who knew him well will miss him immensely.
Thom developed an early love of animals and an appreciation for college and professional sports after attending the Texas State Fair and the Red River Rivalry football game between Oklahoma and Texas as a child. After several family moves including Annandale, VA, Fort Lauderdale, FL and Kingston, Jamaica, Thom attended high school in Winston-Salem, NC and, upon graduation, enlisted in the United States Navy.
Thom was proud to serve in the United States military and enjoyed life on board his ship including being promoted from “Pollywog” to “Shellback” upon traversing the equator. He was ultimately stationed in Long Beach, Ca. before returning home to North Carolina for opportunities in the private sector.
During his professional career, Thom worked with financial lenders throughout the state, including the College Foundation of North Carolina, where he enjoyed helping young professionals develop strategies for college loan repayment. He was always popular with clients due to his deep understanding of procedure and his empathy for their current situation.
In his spare time, Thom loved to read novels, spend time with family and vacation by car. He would often drive to the Appalachian Mountains for bluegrass music festivals and to find new pieces for his Native American art collection. An avid football and baseball fan, Thom enjoyed season tickets to the Carolina Panthers and Carolina Mudcats games and once drove nearly 15 hours from Raleigh to Milwaukee, WI for a Major League game.
Thom was a loving son, brother and uncle who always remembered special occasions by sending hand-picked, sentimental “Thom cards,” which could bring even the most stoic among us to tears.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Joan Harmon Burkhardt of Raleigh, NC and is survived by his father, William Christian Burkhardt of Lighthouse Point, FL; his brothers Robert Burkhardt and wife, Dianne; and David Burkhardt and wife, Kelly, all of Raleigh, NC. He will also be missed by loving nieces Emerson Burkhardt of Folly Beach, SC; Sophie Burkhardt of Oxford, MS and nephew Hodge Burkhardt of Raleigh. A host of heavenly hounds await him in heaven including big, black Labradors, Blue and Lady.
A small service for immediate family will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered for Christ Episcopal Church of Raleigh, Wounded Warrior Project, or the UNC Children’s Hospital.
Funeral arrangements are being handled through Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street in Raleigh.
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