Bernard Franklin Burchett

Bernard Franklin Burchett, 85, was called up yonder in the early morning of August 18th, 2024. Born in the mountains of Ivanhoe, Virginia on May 14th, 1939, to loving parents Daniel and Madelene Goodson Burchett, he was the seventh son of fourteen children. Known to almost everyone as Bernie, he was the very definition of a loving, authentic, hard-working man. There were three great loves in his life: his wife Margaret, his Heavenly Father, and carpentry.

He was just eighteen when he met Margaret Frances Corvin at a local dance, and their connection was instant. After five years of courtship, they married in 1961 and moved to Richmond, Virginia where they went on to raise their family of four children. For 67 years, they were never far from each other as they loved, laughed, bickered, sang, and carried on together. With a rare and undying devotion, they held each other through the many storms and celebrations of their lives. Ever steadfast in her love, Margaret remained his primary caregiver and supportive partner until the very end.

An ordained minister for many years, Bernie lived a life truly inspired by Christ’s love and compassion. He was always quick with a fitting scripture, and his voice was often raised in both sermon and song — particularly the gospel classics he so loved. Anyone who met him could tell he was a genuinely kind and dedicated man, and he never wavered from his admirable moral code of loyalty, honesty, and faith.

Carpentry was his passion from a young age, and he was blessed with a great mind and talented eye for hands-on work. For several decades, he worked predominantly as a carpenter in the Chesterfield County school system (where his coworkers jokingly nicknamed him ‘Jethro’.) Some of his most carefree days were spent down in his garage, where there was never a task too daunting. Over the years, he built everything from bread boxes and doll beds to beautiful cabinetry that remains in many homes today.

With a mischievous gleam in his eye, Bernie could so easily make others laugh and he always insisted that laughter was good for the soul. He always took time to cherish the little things in life; his favorites among them were hunting, fishing, making (and devouring) chocolate fudge, spending holidays with his cherished family, and taking a good ol’ afternoon nap with his cat.

He was, and remains, dearly loved by his family, friends, neighbors, and those in his church community. He was preceded in death by both his parents, as well as brothers Kermel, Bill and Swanson Burchett, and sisters Treva Burchett and Darlene McNamee.

Surviving him and celebrating his passage home are his beloved wife Margaret and their four children: Madeline Raikes (Steven), Bernard Burchett Jr., Daniel Burchett (Dana), and Tammy Rickmond. He is also survived by his brothers James, Doug, Milton, and Jerry Burchett, as well as his sisters Patty Sayers, Carrol Williams, Frieda Bralley and Myra Blair.

There are also those who lovingly called him Papaw: his grandchildren Steven Raikes, Jordan Raikes (Candace), Nicholas Burchett (Katie), Jacob Burchett, Kayla Mylott (Will), Vicki Rickmond, Grace Burchett, Chloe Burchett, and Ethan Burchett. Last but not least are his great-grandchildren: Tori Hornberger, William Mylott, Raelynn Mylott, and James Burchett.

The family additionally wishes to extend their gratitude to the hospice and respite care workers who tirelessly helped care for Bernie. If so inclined, any memorial contributions can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the American Diabetes Association.

“Cheer up, my brother; live in the sunshine. We'll understand it, all by and by.”

Condolences may be registered online at ealvinsmall.com