James Burdette, 80, of Leroy, passed away Feb. 16, 2016 at his home, with his family by his side, following a long illness.
He was born Aug. 15, 1935 in Sissonville, a son of the late Cleo and Eliza Jones Burdette. He was an insurance agent for many years worked for several companies, including National Life, American General and Western and Southern Life Insurance. Prior to becoming a successful insurance agent he was a school teacher and worked as a milk delivery man for Bonham Dairy and then Valley Bell Dairy. Following retirement he enjoyed farming and being on the farm. His greatest joy in life was his family and he was so proud of his grandchildren. James will be remembered as a man who never knew a stranger and could talk to anyone about a number of subjects. He attended Joes Run Memorial Church and accepted Christ as his personal savior in September 2013.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Arbutus Walker Burdette; brother, "Charlie" Burdette Jr.; sister, Maxine Givens; brother, Handley Burdette; and sister, Colleen Powers.
He is survived by his daughter, Vicki Schneider and her husband, Jeff, of Sissonville; son, Ron Burdette and his wife, Patricia, of Leroy; grandchildren, Kristin Schneider, Amber Schneider and Zane Burdette; sisters, Gwendola Wines of Athens, Ga., and Wilma Smith and her husband, Bill, of Elkview; brother, Gene Burdette of Sissonville; and sister-in-law, Freda Burdette.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, with Pastor John Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Floral Hills Garden of Memories, Pocatalico.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Amedysis Home Health and Kanawha Hospice for all of the care given to James during his illness.
He is gone from our sight, but not from our hearts!
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com.