Garland Fenwick Burcher, 88, of Oakville Road, Appomattox, died peacefully on November 1, 2009, at the home of his son and daughter-in-law after a lengthy battle with melanoma.
Born in Howardsville, VA, on February 13, 1921, he was the youngest son of the late Lena Baird and William Lee Burcher. He was predeceased by his sister, Ruby B. Boggs and brothers, Earl, William, and Clyde Burcher.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jessalyn Moore Burcher; their two sons, Jimmy Burcher and Michael Burcher and his wife Tina all of Appomattox; two grandchildren, Chris Burch of Vinton and Rhonda Graboske and her husband Charles of Richmond; great-grandson, Ryker Burch-Graboske; sisters-in-law, Margueritte Jordan of Lynchburg, Sue Campbell of Appomattox, Faye Weston of Red Oak, and Eva Moore of Mineral; brothers-in-law, Beryl Covington and Louis W. Moore and his wife Anne all of Appomattox and a large extended family.
He was a retired US Navy veteran having served during World War II and after. During his Navy career he was involved in a Mediterranean cruise on the USS Carol Sea (CVB-43) and a world cruise on the USS Tarawa (CVA-50), as well as a lengthy deployment in Iceland. He retired with the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate (Reciprocating) Chief. After retiring from the Navy he worked as a carpenter for over 20 years before retiring to his home and gardening work. He loved to share his garden bounty with family and friends.
He was a member of Mount Comfort United Methodist Church where he was a past Sunday school teacher and served on the Administrative Board for many years.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Robert Thorne at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Mount Comfort United Methodist Church, Lime Plant Road, Appomattox.
The family will receive friends following the graveside service and other times at the home of Michael and Tina Burcher, Oakville.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1030 Oakville Rd., Appomattox, VA 24522.