Ernest ‘Ray’ Burkhart Jr., age 76 passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, July 15, 2023 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. He was a resident of Brown County.
Ray was born July 3, 1947 in Lily, Kentucky, to his parents, the late Ernest Ray and Eula Mae (Jones) Burkhart Sr. He was a 1967 graduate of Lily High School. Ray served as a Specialist 4 with the 4th Squadron 12th US Calvary 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Troop of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was the recipient of two Bronze Service Stars. He retired in 1997 as a Welder for AM General in Indianapolis after 20 years of service. After retirement, Ray went back to work as a Forklift Drive for KYB in Franklin where he retired again in 2009 after 12 years of service.
Ray enjoyed the outdoors by camping, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed playing horseshoes, cornhole and cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball Team. Ray’s true passion was his loved for his family and for the Lord. He cherished his time with his wife, Greta and their children & grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Greta D. (Cline) Burkhart, whom he married on December 31, 1996 in Brown County. He is also survived by his children, Todd (Carrie) Mattingly of KY, Michael Chad Burkhart of TN, David (Melody) Patton, Tony Wright, Andy (Jasmine) Patton & Deanna Burkhart all of Brown County, Christina (Eric) Graham of Indianapolis and Ernest Ray Burkhart Jr. of Noblesville; 19 grandchildren & 2 great grandchildren.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Donald Wayne, E.C., Alvin and Malcomb Burkhart, Margie McIntosh & Elsie Faye Leonard.
Bro. Jay Griffie will conduct a funeral service on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 5 p.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. Military rites will be presented by the Brown County Honor Guard and the United States Army following the funeral service on Thursday.
Condolences may be made to the Burkhart family at meredith-clark.com.
