Joe Burkett

Central, SC

Joe Merritt Burkett, 80, of Central passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024 at Cottingham Hospice House. Born in Central he was the widower of Rose Wilson Burkett and a son of the late Edward Garfield and Annie Kerr Burkett.

Joe retired from Clemson University Starkey Swine Center and is a member of Reedy Fork Baptist Church in Seneca.

He was an active member of his community for years. From coaching little league football to playing adult league softball. He was a legend on the softball field with many teams recruiting him to play for them.

Joe was affectionately known as Papa Joe to many, especially his neighborhood family.

He is survived by his brother, Leon Burkett (Mertie) of Walterboro; a son, Tim Burkett (Penny) of Central; two daughters, Becky Shirley (Tim) of Central, and Sherry Burkett (Rodney Grant) of Central; three grandchildren, Jacob Burkett (Tyler Ann), Noah and Jonah Burkett; his two great granddaughters, who everyone knew were his pride and joy, and the loves of his life, Elliott Ann and Emersyn Renee Burkett; a sister in law, Wilma Burkett and her daughter, Micki Reid (Blake); also surviving are special friends and neighbors, Molly and Travis Grant, and family, and Tim and Tamra Webb and family.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Alvin Garfield Burkett, a sister-in-law, Joyce Burkett, and a nephew Jeff Burkett.

To honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Burkett a memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Monday, November 4, 2024 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel.  The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:30 PM at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca SC 29672.

The family will be at the home of Sherry Burkett, 117 Donellie Lane, Central SC.  To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

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