Philip Burkhalter's Obituary
PHILIP ROBERT BURKHALTER, 71, of Memphis, died Wednesday, December 29, 2010. Born in Atlanta, GA, he settled in Memphis after serving in the U.S. Navy at the Millington Naval Base. Mr. Burkhalter’s early career covered over 10 years in law enforcement with the Memphis Police Department where he was instrumental in establishing neighborhood community services centers. He also served two years as Deputy Warden at the Shelby County Penal Farm, where he implemented a Golden Gloves Boxing program for the inmates. He was a national AAU Boxing Referee often officiating on national television. After leaving law enforcement, Mr. Burkhalter owned and operated The Door Store and other ornamental iron businesses in Memphis for over 30 years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a longtime Noble of the Al Chymia Shrine Temple of Memphis. Mr. Burkhalter is predeceased in death by his wife, Mary Jean Burkhalter, his mother, Thelma “Pat” Burkhalter Gabriel and brother, Herschel. His first wife, Katie Robbins Vizzi, and their daughter, Tamara Kay Shermer, survive him. He also leaves his son-in-law Dr. Mark Shermer, who was deeply involved in his care during his lengthy illness; his “pride and joy” grandsons, Jared, Jacob and Jordan Shermer; his sister, Linda Barnhart and her husband John of Atlanta; three brothers, Richard and his wife Brenda of Atlanta; Michael and his wife, Jo of Atlanta; and Barry of Anchorage, Alaska; beloved nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. up until Service time at 1 p.m. Monday, January 3, at Memorial Park Funeral Home with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memorial Park Funeral Home, “Behind the stone wall”, 901-767-8930. Condolences may be offered at www.MemorialParkOnline.com
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