Frank Xavier Burkart Jr

Frank Xavier Burkart Jr., a beloved husband, Dad, Granddad, Old Grandpa and friend passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on June 23, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Frank Burkart Sr. and Anne Doster Burkart. Frank was a proud resident of Johns Island before moving to Atlanta as a young adult, where he met his beloved wife, Mary Evaline Rich Burkart, and went on to have two daughters, Trisha and Julie.

A proud Navy veteran, Frank served honorably on the USS Exploit, a minesweeper, where he developed an unwavering sense of duty that he carried throughout his life. He enjoyed square dancing with his wife, Mary. Together, they traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and exploring the wonders of Europe, always side by side.

He was a hard worker, starting at drafting school before joining Southern GF and ultimately establishing Atlanta Window Company with Mary. He took immense pride in their Alabama lake house, where he spent hours fishing, tinkering, and enjoying the tranquility of the water. He could easily fall into conversation with anyone that he met. In his later years, Frank found entertainment in the antics of his dog, Beau, and he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Canterfield fostered new friendships that brought him immense joy and we will be forever grateful for them coming into his life: Al, Shirley, Maria, Henry, and staff.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Frank Burkart Sr; his wife of 60 years, Mary Evaline Rich Burkart; grandson, John Harris III; and sister, Suzanne Anderson

.He is survived by his two loving daughters, Trisha (John) Harris and Julie (David) Burns; grandchildren, Christopher (Torie) Harris; Rachel Harris; Zachary (Bryanna) Harris; and Faith Burns; great-grandchildren, Elsie Harris and Hunter Harris; brothers, Tommy (Pam) Burkart and Michael (Marjorie) Burkart; and the New York Burkart Family.

Frank will be honored with a funeral service at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home & Crematory Blairsville Chapel at 11:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation at the funeral home, starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.