Donald Ray Burdette

Ray Burdette passed away at his home in Verbena, Alabama on December 27, 2023.  Don was born in Montgomery, Alabama on August 1, 1957.  He was the first born child of Richmond Cleveland Burdette and Myra Jeanette Burdette (Gray).  Donald

Because his father was in the Air Force, Don and his siblings enjoyed living in many different parts of the world; Germany, Texas, New York and Hawaii before coming back home to Verbena, Alabama.  Growing up, he enjoyed putting together model airplanes and being outdoors.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Land Management, Don was employed by the Alabama Forestry Commission. His work was to help manage natural resources, protect and, in some cases, fight forest fires.  After 18 years with Forestry Commission, he moved to work for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources where he worked to protect and manage natural resources, ecosystems and wildlife.

Don loved the outdoors and nature.  His family loved picking his brain about for what he knew about various animals, plants and how to care for things.  And he enjoyed working on projects related to gardening, farming, and land management.  He enjoyed planting trees and working on landscaping projects.  He helped his mother care for cows, horses, chickens, ducks and goats and he always seemed to be working on a section of fence somewhere to keep one of those animal groups either in or out.  He liked working with his hands and planning for the next one.

Don was playful, fun loving and creative.  He had a great sense of humor, loved jokes and playing pranks.  He loved his family so much; he cherished the memories he made not only with his children but with his parents, his sister and brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He valued and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was active in his community, always striving to be a good neighbor and helpful to others.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Cleve and sister, Debbie.  He is survived by his mother, Jeanette Burdette, his daughters Jessie (Jarred) Jones and Nikkie Burdette, as well as his brothers Roger Burdette and Ritchie (Jessica) Burdette, niece Ashley Burdette and nephew Adam (Whitney) Burdette.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 6PM at Clearview Missionary Baptist Church in Verbena, Alabama.