Ollie Burkett

Ollie G. Burkett Sr., 84, left this earth to be with our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, with family at his bedside. Ollie was born in Hazlehurst, Georgia in 1933 to Ivey and Cassie Burkett.

Ollie is best known for his service to others. He served his country with distinction serving 20 years in the United States Air Force as a Flight Engineer, and in 1965 served in the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he worked for Civil Service at Randolph Air Force Base in the Trainer Fabrication Division. He spearheaded the construction and manufacturing of aircraft simulators and training models for the United States Air Force. One of his greatest accomplishments was the completion of the B-1 Bomber Simulator. Ollie retired from Trainer Fab as the Division Chief in 2005 as a GM-13.

Ollie was a devoted and dedicated leader for eighteen years of service to the SCUCISD School Board where he was one of the longest serving trustees and was elected to the Hall of Honors. He was very innovative in his thinking with a futuristic approach to enhance the world in which he served. As a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Schertz, he served for nearly five decades, as well as a deacon, Sunday-School teacher and as Chairman of the Senior Sunday School Department. He spent countless hours in his community witnessing and sharing with others.

Ollie was an excellent provider, husband and father. He was a loyal and devoted husband to Dereda for 62 years and a loving father to their five children. In addition to his family, friends, and neighbors, Ollie devoted much of his time to those in need. He had a deep appreciation for gardening, fishing, carpentry and collecting antique cars.

Ollie is preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Ollie Jr. and James; brothers, Ivey, Bennie, Johnny; and sisters, Myrtle Lee and Evie Lee. He is survived by his wife, Dereda; sons Curtis and Marvin (Abby); daughters, Deborah (Mike), Patricia (David); brother W.T.; eleven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

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