Paul G. Burkett

God granted Paul Glenn Burkett a season on this earth — brief, quiet, and meaningful in ways words cannot fully capture.

A time to be born...

Paul was born on July 8, 1955, in West Philadelphia, PA, to the late Pauline Taylor and the late Huey Burkett. Raised in the heart of West Philly, Paul grew up with a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and pride in family — values that shaped the chapters in his life.

A time to learn...

Paul graduated from Overbrook High School in Philadelphia, PA, and later attended Mansfield College, now known as Commonwealth University-Mansfield, in Mansfield, PA, where he studied Accounting. In 1973, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. On November 9, 1998, he married and nurtured a family; and over the next twenty years, Paul built a distinguished military career, rising to the honored position of Drill Sergeant He trained, mentored, and molded countless young soldiers, earning deep respect for his leadership, precision, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He retired honorably in 1993.

A time to work...

Following his military service, Paul continued to work diligently across the Midlands of South Carolina. He served as a security officer with Mack Truck in Winnsboro; Westinghouse and J.C. Penney in Columbia; and DuPont in Camden. He later became a familiar and trusted face in the automotive community, working as a car salesman with Nissan, GMC, and Ford dealerships in the Greater Midlands of Columbia. Paul also worked with Primerica and Fidelity Life Insurance, helping families strengthen their financial futures with the clarity he brought to every endeavor.

And a time to rest...

Paul made his home in Blythewood, South Carolina, where he built a life rooted in love and family. On June 28, 2026, Paul peacefully transitioned from this life. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy of strength, service, and steadfast love lives on in his family, his community, and all who were blessed to know him. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Huey Jr., Faye, and Yvette Burkette, Lois Greene, and Kim Fraser.

He leaves to cherish his memories his faithful wife, Melissa Gary Burkett, who he married for the second time on December 30, 2023. Paul also leaves behind his daughter, Aaliyah Breanna Burkett, and son Malik Lennox Burkett of the home; his oldest son, Paul Glenn Burkett, Jr. (Veronica) of Atlanta, GA; his oldest daughter, Marquita Renée Burkett of Philadelphia, PA; his son, Darius Levar Burkett of Philadelphia, PA; and his daughter, Ciara La'Ché of Austell, GA, each of whom he loved deeply and encouraged to walk boldly in their purpose. Paul is also mourned by his siblings, Kevin (Genyce) Burkett of Huntsville, AL; Karen Robinson of Lansdale, PA; and Barry Burkett of North Philadelphia, PA; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Paul will be remembered as a soldier, a protector, a mentor, and a man who worked tirelessly to provide, uplift, and serve. His life was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the quiet power of a good man's devotion. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. May Paul rest in God's perfect peace.

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