Mr. Joseph Harvey "Joe" Burkett, Sr.

Mr. Joseph Harvey "Joe" Burkett, Sr. was born on July 18, 1945, in Forsyth, Georgia. He passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, Georgia. He was 80 years old. Joe Burkett will be remembered for his hardworking spirit and the love he shared with his family.

Joe was a graduate of R.E. Lee Institute, class of 1963. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic. Joe was a dedicated and hardworking man who held various careers throughout his life, from photography to truck driving, retiring as a truck driver. He loved watching basketball, riding motorcycles, and attending Bike Week with his brother Tommy. Additionally, he enjoyed watching NASCAR and engaging in Sunday afternoon talks/arguments about the races with Tommy.

Joe is survived by his eight children: Rickey (Cindy) Burkett of Phenix City, Alabama; Susan (Joseph) Walden of Phenix City, Alabama; Joe Burkett of Fort Valley; Anna Burkett of Byron; Lillian Burkett-Welch of Warner Robins; Jason (Pam) Burkett of Danville, Kentucky; Candy (Abel) Galindo-Flores of Fort Valley; and Jada (Darrell) Gaddis of Junction City, Kentucky. He is also survived by his brother, Tommy (Sharon) Burkett of Thomaston, twenty-seven grandchildren, and thirty great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, James Harvey Burkett and Lillian Phillips Mills, his stepfather, Jack Mills, his sister, Barbara Jean Robinson, and his brothers Randy Burkett and Jerry Burkett.

Funeral services for Joe will be held on Monday, November 17, at 2:00 PM, at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Monday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow at Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery. 

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.