MURFREESBORO, NC – Walter Philip Burke, age 84, passed away on January 6, 2017 at the Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, NC.

Mr. Burke, a native of Hertford County, was born on October 22, 1932 to Perry Lewis and Bertha Brittle Burke in Murfreesboro, NC. Walter was an active and loyal member of Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, serving for many years on the church council. He served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees that oversaw structural maintenance of the church. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

Walter was known for his dedication to the Murfreesboro community by his work as the owner and operator of College Texaco Service Station for over 35 years. He enjoyed woodworking and working in his yard. Walter loved his family and was a great record keeper of his family’s history. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lewis, Albert, Bobby, Willard, and Johnnie Burke.

Walter is survived by his loving wife Pat; son, Steve Burke and his wife Donna, of Burlington, NC; two daughters, Denise Burke of Kernersville, NC, Jacquie Burke Gunnells and her husband David, of Murfreesboro; two grandsons, Kevin Burke of Burlington, and Brian Gunnells of Conway, NC; four granddaughters, Shannon Burke of Burlington, Megan Vinson and her husband Jared, of Conway, Brigette Gunnells of Murfreesboro, and Stacey Gunnells; sister, Ann Johnson of Speed, NC; brother, Jerry Burke of Pikesville, NC; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel-Murfreesboro, Murfreesboro, NC, and other times at the home.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at 11:00 am at Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. Monica Beacham, officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and nurses with Vidant Medical Center Heart Institute, Greenville, NC and Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, Ahoskie, NC for all to love and dedicated care shown to Mr. Burke and his family during his illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Murfreesboro United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, NC.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Burke family and online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.