Russell "Rusty" Monroe Burckhalter, Jr.

LILESVILLE – Mr. Russell Monroe Burckhalter,Jr., just 51 years old died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. His wife and family are deeply saddened by his sudden death.

Rusty was born March 2, 1970, in Anson County, NC and grew up in Lilesville. He was a son of Linda Knotts Powe and Russell Monroe Burckhalter. He was adopted and raised by his grandmother, Gladys Webster Knotts.

In 2001, he moved to Brunswick County, NC with his wife Misty and their son, Brandon. He was a resident of Southport, NC since 2004. He worked in construction most of his life and enjoyed using his hands and building things. He loved the water, music, cooking and helping others. He also taught himself to play the drums.

Rusty enjoyed times spent with his family and friends. He was always willing to cook a meal or just grill burgers for those he was with. He never met a stranger and would always make anyone feel welcome. He would do anything for a laugh and his sense of humor would light up a room. Anyone who knew him, truly knew he would give you anything or help in anyway possible. He was involved with relief efforts in Lumberton, NC during Hurricane Matthews.

He was a peacemaker. He could give excellent advice and could help find the right direction in any situation. He was a source of positivity.

Rusty loved the Lord and was a member of Bethany Free Will Baptist Church in Wadesboro.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife and best friend, Misty. The traveled and explored many places over the last 6 years, making memories and friends along the way.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Misty Marsh Burckhalter; his children, Brandon Burckhalter and Brittany Burckhalter; his grandchildren, Kasiah and Dominic; his mother, Linda Powe; his brothers and sisters, Keith Burckhalter, Terry Lee Milligan, Juston Power (Lauren) and his aunts and uncles, including, Joan Puckett (Tony) who he loved like another mother; his cousins, including, Misty Puckett who he loved like a sister and Dale Carpenter was near and dear to his heart, as well and his best friend since they were babies, Darius Johnson.

Funeral services will be 5:00pm Wednesday, November 24, 2021 in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home with Rev. Ricky Marsh officiating.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Bethany Free Will Baptist Church, Wadesboro, NC.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com