William "Bill" Elbert Burdette

Mr. William “Bill” Elbert Burdette, 92, of Clemmons North Carolina went to be with his Heavenly Father October 19, 2022. He was born to Samuel Lynch and Louella Houchins Burdette in Fort Springs, West Virginia on May 16, 1930.

Bill served 8 years, 1952-1960, in the United States Army and United States Army Reserve. Bill served with the 194th Engineer Combat Battalion in the Korean War. He served as an active member and Honor Guard of American Legion Post 522 in Lewisville, NC until his health prevented his participation. In the 1960’s Bill dedicated his service to the Margate Volunteer Fire Department in Margate, Florida. Bill moved with his family to North Carolina in1970 and began work in construction before joining Liz at Lentz Transfer and Storage in Clemmons, NC. Following retirement from Lentz at the age of 65, Papa Bill began his second career as chauffeur, confidant and co-conspirator for his many grandchildren.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents and his dearly loved step mother Emily Brady Burdette, his brothers Glen “Bob”, and Samuel Lee, sisters Margaret Virginia “Polly”, Mary Alice, Betty Lou, Isabelle Louella “Lou”, Janice Elaine, Nelly Elizabeth and Cecilia Brown, his daughter Donna Vernon, his granddaughter Shana Cravath and his grandson Thomas Vernon. He is survived by his beloved wife and darling of 56 years, Elizabeth Slate Burdette, his daughters Susan Porter (Billy Joe), Tammy Gant (Gary), Tiffany Weddle (Todd), his sons Darrell Cravath (Beverly), Billy Burdette and Dan Taylor. He is also survived by granddaughters Holly Johnson, Lauren Wheeler (Cameron), Steffiany Vernon, Dorrissa Vernon, Casey Weddle (Chris), and Amy Taylor, his grandsons Eli Vernon, Todd Porter (Angela), Clayton Cravath (Erica), Taylor Weddle (Sarah), Ian Taylor, Sam Burdette and Logan Weddle and 18 great grandchildren.

A constant loving presence, Papa Bill loved boating and camping when the grandchildren were young and he spent many summers playing Captain and helping them learn to water ski. He cherished taking them snow skiing in Boone and experienced great joy watching them advance their skills day and night on the slopes. Bill treasured being outside, loved bird watching, and beekeeping. Crisscrossing America in their RV, Bill and Liz spent many months over the years on journeys far and wide. Always happiest tending to the “farm” in Siloam and the “ranch” in Sugar Grove, Virginia. Bill yearned to please his family.

He had a servants heart, never said no to a request and was always first to volunteer. This unwavering dedication to others earned him much love and affection. His was a life well lived.

Family will receive friends at Frank Vogler and Sons, 2849 Middlebrook Drive, Clemmons NC 27012 on Sunday October 23, 2022 10:00am-11:30am followed by a graveside service at 1:00pm at Slate Cemetery in Stokes County.