Edward Kenneth Burdette, III

God granted peace for Edward Kenneth Burdette, III, on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at the age of 72.   Born May 17, 1946, in Greenville, SC, to Edward Kenneth, Jr. and Mary Marchant Burdette, Kenny made his growing up years in Charleston, SC, a time of happy and carefree pursuits.  Most of these interests included a ball, be it a football, a baseball, a basketball, a tennis ball, or a golf ball.  A graduate of Clemson University in 1968, Kenny earned a BS degree in Industrial Management, and though he received his MBA from The University of South Carolina, his heart belonged to the Tigers.  He was a member of Kappa Delta Chi fraternity, now Sigma Nu, and lifelong friends enhanced his years. 

Surviving Kenny is Willa, his wife of 50 years; a daughter Ashley Padgett and son-in-law Edwin; a son Bradley Burdette and daughter-in-law Blaire.  His three granddaughters Kate, Elsie Morrah, and Frances Padgett gave him great delight.  Kenny was given yet another reason to give thanks with the birth of granddaughters Gainsley and Mary Marchant Burdette.  Even as the debilitating Lewy Body dementia progressed, these five girls could elicit a smile from him. 

Also surviving Kenny are his brother Luther Burdette and wife Debbie of Moncks Corner and his life-long friend Bobby Riggs of Charleston. If there is a clock in heaven, it surely says “quarter til.” 

Kenny was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he earned a Bronze Star medal.   After serving two years in the US Army as first lieutenant, he began his career as a certified public accountant.  A member of Central United Methodist Church for over 40 years, Kenny enjoyed the Sarah Blanton Sunday school class and the shared friendships there.  He was also dedicated to serving his community through the Florence Mid-day Sertoma Club. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11AM on Friday, December 21, 2018, at Central United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 AM at the church prior to the service. 

A heart-felt thank you to special friend Billy Coleman and the many faithful friends who kept Kenny in their hearts. 

We are grateful to the compassionate care-giving staff at the Heritage Home and McLeod Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, McLeod Hospice House, or a charity of one’s choice.   

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