William Terry Burkhalter

Mr. William Terry Burkhalter, age 67, of Alto, Ga, passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a sudden illness.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Lula. Rev. Randy Johnson and Rev. Drewery Loggins will officiate. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. 

The family will receive friends at Memorial Park Funeral Home Tuesday, February 22, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Terry was born on May 10, 1954, in Athens, Ga, to William Ellis “Buck” Burkhalter and Sarah Lavada Collins Burkhalter. He was retired from the Gainesville City Fire Department after 30 years of fire service. Terry also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He had the distinction of being the oldest continuous member of First Baptist Church of Lula. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Burkhalter is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ruby Nell Woodall Burkhalter of Alto, Ga, daughter and son-in-law, Katherine Nicole Burkhalter Moon (Jonathan) of Talmo, Ga, daughter and son-in-law, Teri Danielle Burkhalter Smith (Chad) of Alto, Ga, grandchildren, Ian Thomas Moon, Jonas Isaiah Moon, Christian Nathaniel Moon, sister, Jane Burkhalter of Gainesville, sister and brother-in-law, Denise Banks (Danny) of Lula, brother, Ronald Burkhalter of Lula, and a host of other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Terry was a man who deeply loved the Lord. He grew up in the Lula community attending First Baptist Church of Lula. From childhood until his death, he faithfully found ways to serve. As a Sunday School teacher, he diligently studied the Word of God to prepare to serve his class. Family and friends would often find him sitting at the kitchen table late at night with his Bible open, preparing for the message his Lord wanted him to share.

Terry was also a dedicated deacon at the church. He visited the sick in the hospital and in their homes. He found out needs and did his best to have them met. He shared the Lord, encouraging many with prayers and kind words. He was a faithful servant.

He also fiercely loved his family. Terry was a faithful, supportive husband to Ruby for 44 years. Both his daughters had a daddy who was loving and very present in their lives. Terry was incredibly proud of the daughters he raised and their accomplishments. He was and will always be their hero.

Anyone that knew Terry knew one of his favorite roles was as “Pop” to his grandsons. Pop and Ian, or as he called him, “Little Man,” were an inseparable pair who did everything together. He was also very proud of his grandsons Jonas and Christian.  

Being a “chicken whisperer” is one of the ways that he supported his family. Terry was a poultry farmer for 40 years. His attention to detail earned him “Grower of the Week” on a regular basis. If you ran into Terry somewhere, he was most likely wearing one of his many “Grower of the Week” hats. He was one of the top producers for his company.

Last, but certainly not least, Terry was a dedicated first responder. He served Hall County and Gainesville City as a firefighter for 30 years. Terry trained to serve all. He served with his heart those who needed him in times of distress.

Terry’s place in this world cannot be filled. His sweet spirit will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504, is in charge of arrangements.