Charles Edward Grey Burchfield

Charles Edward Grey Burchfield, age 87, beloved husband and father, passed away Monday, July 25, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Mr. Burchfield was a lifelong resident of Attala County, but lived his last seven years in Brookhaven so that he and Bettie, his wife of almost 64 years, could be closer to their daughters. Mr. Burchfield was a 1946 graduate of Ethel High School and graduated from Mississippi State University in 1959 after honorably serving his country in the Korean Conflict as the commander of a M4 Sherman Tank and rising to platoon sergeant in the 45th Infantry Division 179th Tank Company. After his military service Mr. Burchfield worked at the Kosciusko Water and Light Department, serving as Superintendent from 1966 until his retirement in 1994. He was most proud of his role in helping create the Municipal Energy Agency of Mississippi which provided steady electric rates in Kosciusko for approximately 30 years. Mr. Burchfield also served with the Kosciusko Volunteer Fire Department for 27 years. He was a member of the Mississippi chapter of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors and the State Water and Pollution Control Operators Association, which he helped organize. Mr. Burchfield was extremely active in civic affairs in Kosciusko receiving a Golden Shovel Award from the Chamber of Commerce and serving as a longtime member and leader in the Lion's Club and American Legion. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Kosciusko. Mr. Burchfield is survived by his wife Bettie, and his daughters Libby Hewitt and husband Charlie of Brookhaven, Amy Owen and husband Martin of Birmingham, Jane Bates and husband Curtis of Burleson, Texas, and Sally Burchfield Doty of Brookhaven. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Casey Dixon Knauff and husband Lt. Col Brian Knauff stationed at Lakenheath AFB in Suffolk, England; Emily Dixon Anderson and husband Adam of Pattville, Alabama; Evan Owen, Austin Owen, of Birmingham; Josh Battles and wife Linda of Brookhaven; Lauren Naddy and husband Lt. Col. Corey Naddy stationed at Edwards AFB in California; Ellen Doty, Sarah Doty, and Benjamin Doty of Brookhaven; and 9 precious great-grandchildren. Mr. Burchfield was predeceased by his parents, William Edward and Electa Bailey Burchfield, brother, William Ray Burchfield and sister, Mattie Emma Burchfield. There will be a memorial service 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 28, at the Burchfield home, 305A South Church Street, Brookhaven, followed by visitation from 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Visitation will be Thursday, July 28 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and Friday, July 29 at 10:00 a.m. at Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko with the funeral following on Friday, July 29 at 11:00 also at Jordan Funeral Home. Interment will be at Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko following the service.