Bruce Wallace Burkett

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Wallace Burkett, 68, of Williamsburg, Virginia, who peacefully and unexpectedly left us on March 14, 2025. He was born in Urbana, Ohio, to Jack C. and Jacqueline Olson Burkett, and spent most of his school years in Marysville, Ohio, where he graduated high school in 1975. In Marysville, and during his time at The Ohio State University, he made life-long friends, particularly through playing sports including football, baseball, basketball, and rugby. He moved to Williamsburg, Virginia in 1975 and started his business, Green Services, Inc. in 1986, where he working in the lawn care and landscaping industry until he retired in 2019.

Bruce enjoyed being active and spending time outdoors, finding particular peace and joy in the sun, working on home projects, and tending his yard, garden, and flowers. He was an avid reader, loved listening to his extensive music collection, enjoyed poetry, history, and traveling to new places and to visit family and friends (a bonus was when he was able to attend baseball games nearby). He was an enthusiastic sports fan who passionately supported his children’s sports, Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland “Indians”.

Bruce was a man of deep faith. He had a genuine passion for helping others and he found true fulfillment in making a difference in people’s lives. His thoughtfulness, commitment to service, and willingness to lend a hand to family, friends, or strangers in need made a lasting impact on his community.

Above all, Bruce was a loving husband and the best dad, grandfather, and friend anyone could ask for. His warm presence, wisdom, gentle encouragement, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He took particular pride in his children, always offering them unwavering love and support, and reveled in being a grandfather, having joyfully welcomed two new granddaughters this past year.

Bruce was a member of Chickahominy Masonic Lodge for 12 years, serving in officer roles for many years, and as Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 2020. He was well loved and respected by the Brethren of the Lodge and will be missed greatly.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Marcia Symbolik Burkett, his high-school sweetheart; daughter, Sarah Burkett (Jason) Steiner, son, Scott (Rachel) Burkett; grandchildren, Sasha, Leo, and Stella Steiner and Sawyer Burkett; siblings David (Londa) Burkett, Barbara (Bill) Winfree, Dale (Carrie) Burkett, and Brian Burkett; brother and sisters-in-law, William Symbolik, Lorraine (Steve) Adams, Deanne Symbolik, and Nancy (Kelly) Symbolik, and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Steve Sneider.

God has welcomed him home. We will miss his sparkling blue eyes, gentle smile, and comforting warm hugs.

Visitation hours will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, on Friday, March 21 from 5:00-7:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, 500 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, on Saturday, March 22. Masonic Rites to be conducted at 1:30pm; Service to begin at 2:00pm. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating blood to your local Red Cross office, contributing to The Masonic Relief Fund (https://grandlodgeofvirginia.org/about/charity/masonic-relief-fund), or to the Friends of the Williamsburg Library Fund (https://www.wrl.org/give/make-a-gift/). Live-stream of church services may be accessed at https://williamsburgumc.org/worship-live/.