Oscar Burkett

GROSECLOSE, VIRGINIA: OSCAR JAMES "JAY" BURKETT, JR., age 56, died Tuesday, July 6, 2004 in Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Oscar James and Ella M. Burkett of the Groseclose Community. He was a United States Navy veteran having served as a Jet Mechanic on the Aircraft Carrier Independence during the Vietnam War. He was a former Pilot and Flight Instructor at the Mountain Empire Airport and was employed by Virginia House Furniture Plant, Atkins, Virginia, for 29 years. Mr. Burkett was a member of Fulton United Methodist Church, V.F.W., American Legion Post #229, and Mountain Empire Flying Club. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, James L. Lambert. He is survived by his wife, Linda K. Burkett of Rural Retreat, Virginia. One daughter and son-in-law, Cherie D. and Dan Sturgill of Sugar Grove, Virginia. One son, James Brian Burkett of Rural Retreat, Virginia. Two brothers and sisters-in-law, Neal and Ethel M. Burkett of Rural Retreat, Virginia, and Sam and Helen W. Burkett of Marion, Virginia. One sister, Katherine B. Lambert of Marion, Virginia. Three grandchildren, Daniel Ray Sturgill and Samuel Jay Sturgill both of Sugar Grove, Virginia, and Alexis Caroline Burkett of Rural Retreat, Virginia. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 9, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Vince Krauss and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Burial will follow in Kimberlin Lutheran Church Cemetery, Rural Retreat, Virginia, where military rites will be conducted by Francis Marion V.F.W. Post #4667. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Groseclose First Church of God, 333 Citizens Road, Rural Retreat, Virginia 24368 or to Fulton United Methodist Church, 209 Larch Street, Marion, Virginia, 24354.