Wilford Richard Burkhalter (April 21st, 1929 – February 7th, 2022)

Wilford Richard Burkhalter, age 92, of Northport, joined his Savior and numerous loved ones in Heaven on Monday, February 7, 2022.

A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church in Gordo. Burial with military honors will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service.

Dr. Dennis Atchenson and Bro. Tim Baumgarten will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Magnolia Chapel North is directing.

Wilford was born on April 21, 1929, to John Nick Burkhalter and Emily Latham Burkhalter. The youngest of 12 children, he was the "baby" of the family and, without question, the "apple of his mother's eye" -- he was a devoted son.

He was a lifelong member of Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church, a graduate of Gordo High School, and a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a local jeweler for more than 50 years -- with most of those years spent as co-owner of Burkhalter Jewelers alongside his brother, Raymond.

He married his sweetheart, Rebecca Evans, in 1987; they enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life together until her passing in 2010. Wilford always enjoyed listening to and singing gospel music, and spending time with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca, his parents, seven brothers, four sisters, and other relatives who were waiting to welcome him home.

He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family; along with his special friend, Doris Farmer.

Active pallbearers will be nephews -- Kerrie Atchenson, Tim Atchenson, Boyd Burkhalter, Glenn Burkhalter, Byron Crowe, Richard Hayes, Donald Hayes, and Kevin Pearce.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to his nephew, Richard Hayes -- for being his caretaker, his driver, his eat-out buddy, and his special friend during the final years of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 1022, Gordo, AL 35466.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7