Gary B. Burkhalter

Gary Burkhalter age 75 of Salem, Alabama passed away peacefully after a long illness. A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 2:00 pm (EST). The family will receive friends from 3:00 -5:00 pm (EST) this Sunday evening.
He was formerly a resident of Seale, Alabama for 36 years. Gary was born June 5, 1948, in Columbus, GA. He was a proud graduate of Columbus High School class of 1966. He attended Georgia Southwestern University and Alexander City College. Gary worked and retired from Fort Benning Civilian Personnel Services, as a Civilian Personnel Service Specialist.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Victoria, his son Brian and his parents Dewitt and Marjorie Burkhalter.
He is survived by his sister Patricia Herring of Hamilton, GA, niece Lindsay Metzler (Drew), great nephews Crosby and Lennan of Milton, GA, daughter Sherri Smith (Jeffery) of Salem, AL, grandchildren Victoria Cooley (Adam), all of Salem, AL and Zachary Smith of Opelika, AL, great grandchildren Parker and Emersyn Rae Cooley. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gary always had the best sense of humor and had a joke or story to tell. His greatest love was his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and Atlanta Braves fan. In his later years he moved to Lake Harding with Jeff and Sherri, where he loved to fish from their dock with friends. Gary also enjoyed going to breakfast with his childhood friends (Fern Street Gang) and sister each week.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to the John B. Amos Cancer Center or the Columbus Hospice House in memory of Mr. Gary Burkhalter.