Ralph Burkhart

Mr. Ralph William Burkhart, 86, of Pete Fritts Road, died Saturday, September 21, at the Hinkle Hospice House after an extended illness. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, September 23 at Beck’s Reformed Church, by the Rev. James Byers. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Sunday at Davidson Funeral Home and other times at the home. Mr. Burkhart was born July 28, 1927 in Davidson County to Roy Hill Burkhart and Minnie Younts Burkhart. He was the retired owner and operator of Central Lumber Company and had met many of the farm families throughout Davidson County in the 1950’s as a representative for John Deere Sales and Service. He was a lifelong member of Beck’s Reformed Church, where he was an Elder and past president of the Consistory and Sunday School Teacher. Mr. Burkhart faithfully served his country in the US Army during World War II. He was a member of the VFW Post 3074, the American Legion Post 8, and the Central Lions Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of Davidson Water, Inc. He is survived by his wife, Imojean Cox Burkhart of the home; his sons, Kenly Burkhart and wife, Kathy, of Minnesota, and Martin Burkhart and wife, Tami, of Thomasville; his daughter, Carol Crouse and husband, Blair, of Lexington; his brothers, Lloyd Burkhart, Joe Burkhart and wife, Jane, and John Burkhart and wife, Margaret, all of Lexington; his sister, Betty Jean Shoaf and husband, Tommy, of Tyro; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hinkle Hospice House, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington NC 27292 or to Duke Cancer Institute, Office of Development, DUMC 3828, Durham, NC 27710.