Jeffrey Wayne Burkhalter

Jeffrey Wayne Burkhalter of Ray City, Ga. Passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. He was born in Rome, Ga. on December 9th, 1961 to the late Paul and Edna Rooks Burkhalter. His Grandparents were Charles Presley Burkhalter, Henry (Bud) Rooks, Louise Roberson Rooks, also preceded in death of his grandson Kaleb Michael. A graduate of Pepperell High School, in Rome Ga. of the class of 1980. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After a very honorable and distinguished career and a Gulf War Veteran he proudly retired from serving his country in 2000. After retirement he decided to go back to school to pursue his further dreams and education. In 2013 his graduated from Shorter University with his Associates degree in Applied Sciences and in 2017 graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelors in Sports Sciences from the United States Sports Academy. After finishing his degrees, a desire to teach fell upon him and he was currently working towards his teaching certificates focusing on working with special needs students and he enjoyed servicing Berrien County, Lowndes County, and Cook County schools working with today’s youth as a substitute teacher. As a loving and devoted Father and Grandfather, he will be greatly missed by his daughter, son-in law, and grandchildren. As a devout Christian he was a member of multiple churches throughout the world, but more currently a member of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Rome, Ga. and North Rome Church of God in Rome, Ga. His interests included; reading, history, church, family, friends, travel, sports, volunteerism. He received many awards and recognition's throughout life to include: A member of the 1977 and 1980 Ga. State High School Baseball Championship, Rome Ga. A member of the 1981 and 1982 RAF Alconbury Spartans baseball teams in Alconbury, England UK. USAF. Member of the “Best MS&D in the 9th Air Force” on multiple occasions, member of the “Best MS&D in the Tactical Air Command”. “Best CES seen to date” Moody AFB 1980, “Best Honor Guard seen to Date” Moody AFB 1988. “Best CES seen to date” Sembach AFB Germany 1995. Awarded 2011 Umpire of the Year in the Georgia ASA, District 11. as well as numerous national tournaments and many more Military Honors, Awards, and Medals.
To know Jeff was to Love Jeff, he had a vivacious love of life and joy with an infectious laughter and he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by his daughter Angela, Son-in-law, Michael, Grand-daughter Kaylee, and Grandson Kaden. Sister Paulette Burkhalter, Brother Gary and sister-in-law Gail Burkhalter, Nieces Sara, Amanda, Emily and numerous family members and friends. Services will be held in Rome, Ga with his final resting place to be Arlington National Cemetery.