Waynesville-Frank Aaron Burkes, 82 transitioned to Heaven on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at the Charles George VA Medical Center Hospice Unit surrounded by his family. Frank was born in Cullowhee on July 21, 1936, to the late A.B. and Vertie Rogers Burkes. He enjoyed fishing cooking, and working outside in his yard and garden. Frank loved his family and was a father figure to everyone. He will be remembered for helping and feeding everyone he encountered. Frank served honorably in the US Army.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Cullins; brothers, William and Charles Burkes; sister Josephine Burkes Chavis; and mother-in-law, Ethel Lee Sellers.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Ethel Sellers Burkes; son Aaron K. Burkes (Valerie); daughter, Alisa Martin (Kenneth); grandchildren Nautica Cullins, TaVarus Cullins, and Donald J. Hardy, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Zyiere Cullins, Amari Crawford, Davion Hardy, and Damarion Hardy; special nieces, Sharon Walker and Gloria Jones; a host of nieces and nephews; and his special grand-dog Izzy.
A Home Going Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 19, at Jones Temple AME Zion Church with the Reverend Myrna Casey officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM prior to the service at the church and at other times at the home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jones Temple A.M.E. Zion Church at 35 Thomas Park Dr., Waynesville, NC 28786.
The family would like to offer a word of thanks to church family and friends. They would also like to thank the staff and nurses at the Charles George VA Medical Center Hospice Unit.
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