Jerry Dean "Bucky" Burkhart

Jerry Dean Burkhart Jr. ""Bucky"" passed away on Friday, March 25th, 2016 in Gulfport, Mississippi at the young age of 58. He was born to Jerry Dean Burkhart Sr. and Audrey May Bitten on May 11th, 1957 in Cambridgeshire, England. The eldest of four, he was always the protector. He is preceded in death by his father, Jerry Dean Burkhart Sr. and his youngest brother, Perry Dale Burkhart.
Jerry is fondly remembered as a loving father, proud grandfather, son, brother, nephew, uncle and friend. His memory will be honored by his children; Jessica Burkhart (Marlon) Lewis of Biloxi, MS and Jerry Dean (Nicole) Burkhart III of Daphne, AL; their mother, Suzette Burkhart Gwin of Daphne, AL; grandchildren, Ashton and Aubrey Goundas of Biloxi and Devin Lewis of Gulfport; his mother, Audrey Micks of Gladstone, MI; brother, Terry Burkhart of Tampa, FL; sister, Joy Sue (Tim) Nerius of Trenary, MI; half-brothers, Paul and Scott Burkhart of Las Vegas, NV; his life partner, Judy Powell of Thomasville, AL; his confidant and loving aunt, Elsie Terrell Mullen and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He served in the United States Navy and upon discharge, became a lifelong employee of Mississippi Power Company at Plant Jack Watson for 37 years in various positions. A giving man, Jerry never turned anyone away and was a friend to everyone who knew him. He was a man who loved his family and the time they could spend together. An avid fan of Alabama football, he seized every opportunity to watch the game at Jessica's house. He loved to tinker and enjoyed time with his son Jerry working on their '73 Mustang for Cruisin the Coast, where you could find him doing burnouts with a huge smile on his face. The retirement plan was to hit the open road on his motorcycle with his sweet dog Maggie. Always a lover of animals, he had a special affection for Maggie and his grand dogs Bully Ruffis, Briley and Bama. His words of encouragement and sincere hugs will be missed forever.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Fisher House Foundation. www.fisherhouse.org.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 at 11:00 AM at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport with a visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow at Finley Cemetery, 19424 Highway 53 in Gulfport.
An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com.