William “Bill” Burkhardt of Monterey, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the age of 65.

He was born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 3, 1956, to James and Doris Burkhardt. He was a graduate of Perrysburg High School Class of 1975, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

After his time in the military, Bill enjoyed a long career driving semi-trucks while traveling across the country. Later in life, he settled into Monterey, Tennessee, to assist his dad with farming and working on antique tractors, which they took to shows together. He loved motorcycles, guns, guitars and country music.

Bill will be greatly missed. He was a fun-loving, hillbilly with a laugh and “gritty” sense of humor you could never forget. Although mischievous at times, he loved sharing his big-hearted nature to help others and give in any way he could. He was always loyal to everyone he cared about.

He was a member of the local Elks Club and St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Crossville, Tennessee. He also was a member of the Cumberland Plateau and Crossville Antique Tractor Clubs.

He is survived by his father, James “Jim” Burkhardt, Monterey; sisters, Vicki Burkhardt, Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and Laurie Burkhardt-Garman, Toledo; nieces, Tonya (AJ) Brownlow, Hammond, Louisiana; Tory (Keith) Redway, Toledo, and Nicole (Ross) Muller, Alabama; nephews, Jeremy (Holly) Jacobs, Sylvania, and Anthony Baldini, Louisiana; great-nieces, Carmen Brownlow and Sophia Jacobs; greatnephews, Aiden and Ethan Muller, and his sweet dogs, Sugar and Baby Girl.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Doris (Frusher) Burkhardt; fiancé, Roxanne; nephew, Cody Garman, and his precious dog named Harley; also his grandparents, Alice (Caris) and Calvin Frusher, Margaret (Moore) and Sylvester Burkhardt; uncles, Clyde, Walter and Robert Burkhardt.

Per his wishes, Bill had a military funeral and was laid to rest at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Rose Church in Perrysburg, on Saturday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following mass, there will be time for visitation with Bill’s family, and food will be provided downstairs in St. Rose’s cafeteria.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Bill’s honor.

Bilbrey Funeral Home, Crossville, Tennessee, was in charge of arrangements.