Artie Herbert Burkhart

Artie Herbert Burkhart, age 84, of Lexington passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, at Hinkle Hospice House, after a two-year illness.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington, where Artie was a member. The visitation will be followed by a memorial service at the same location at 11 a.m. The Rev. Edward T. Kelaher will officiate.

Artie was born in Lexington to Arvil Wilson Burkhart and Frances McCulloch Burkhart on May 26, 1940. He was a graduate of Central Davidson High School. From there, he attended Catawba College on a basketball scholarship, where he double-majored in History and Political Science. Artie had a lifelong passion for participating in and attending sporting events, especially baseball, basketball, and golf. He enjoyed chess and once won 1st place in the Lexington Senior Division chess championship. He also took great pride in supporting his children in their sports, never missing a game or match.

In his younger years, Artie was a Boy Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, a prestigious scouting society dedicated to the ideal of cheerful service—a value Artie was known for throughout his life. Over the years, he tirelessly served the people and animals in his community. This included serving on the Davidson County Social Services Board from 2008-2011 and acting as its chair for several terms; working on a county committee to develop an animal welfare ordinance for Davidson County; and long-time involvement in animal rescue and foster care, during which he cared for and housed up to 17 animals, served as president of a local animal rescue group board, and single handedly managed a feral cat colony in Tyro for more than a decade. On a personal level, he delighted in his many pets over the years and always made sure his children and loved ones had a pet to love.

His giving nature was also reflected in his interactions with everyone he met. Artie was known not only for his generosity of resources and time, but also for always sharing a laugh, conversation, and handshake. He never met a stranger and found friends to catch up with everywhere he went—even when traveling. Many of these impromptu meetings occurred at local restaurants, like Honeymonk, a favorite of Artie’s, in other cities or states, or paddling down the New River. Artie was also a great listener and very forgiving. Needless to say, he was well-loved by many.

Artie’s professional career encompassed 59 years in the brick industry. Of particular note, he was vice president of sales and marketing at Old Carolina Brick Co. in Salisbury from 1988 to 2023. During this time, he was also a charter member of Brick Southeast and a creator of the resulting Brick Forum annual convention. Throughout his professional years, Artie was also a serious student of photography, a hobby in which he invested much time and talent.

Including his parents, Artie was preceded in death by his son, Ashly Burkhart, and a sister, Sharon Burkhart Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Georgeanna Sellers; a sister, Sheila Burkhart Cannon; daughters, Shelley Burkhart Lister (Greg) and Amy Burkhart Smith (Tracey); grandchildren, Josh Clifton (Paige), Ashton Burkhart, Jessie Bergeron, Ali Smith, and Ari Smith; great-grandchildren, Titus Clifton, Silas Clifton, and Ava Riley Burkhart; a lifelong circle of close friends; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues who will cherish memories of his fun-loving spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Artie’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church or Hospice of Davidson County.

Online condolences may be offered at https://www.davidsonfuneralhome.net.