Dr. Burdette graduated from Medical College of Virginia in 1946. After military service in the Navy stationed in Jacksonville, Fl and Guam, he came to Winter Haven, Fl from Huntington, W Va in 1958. He was the 4th physician to join the practice at Gessler Clinic. As a board certified general surgeon, he served the Polk County community for nearly 30 years as a practicing surgeon and was beloved and respected by his patients and their families. He retired from practice in 1987 and enjoyed spending the next few years with the love of his life, his wife Ethel Mae, to whom he was happily married for 53 years before her death in 1997.
He served as a past medical president of the Polk County Medical Association. He was a founding member of Hope Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir for nearly 50 years. He enjoyed golf, fishing and bridge during his retirement years.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Mae, his parents, Minnie and Andrew Burdette, and his 3 siblings, Opal, Wilson and Ruby.
He is survived by his 3 children- Marvin Jr (Deborah), David (Cindy) and Lynn (Reid). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family extends special thanks to his good friends as well as to his 2 primary caregivers, Donna and Cheryl, who took such good care of him during his the last months of his life.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Hope Presbyterian Church on October 14th at 11:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hope Presbyterian Church, 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, Fl 33884-1556.
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