Jeffrey Burkey Obituary

Jeffrey Michael "Jeff" Burkey

November 29, 1976 -

December 25, 2025

Jeffrey Michael "Jeff" Burkey, age 49, entered into eternal rest on December 25th, Christmas Day following multiple complications from gall bladder surgery along with weakened heart and kidney issues.

Jeff was born November 29, 1976 to Michael and Susan Burkey and was a life-long resident of Johnson City.

He was a graduate of Science Hill High School where he was an honor graduate and member of the Science Hill Marching Band, having played the tuba.

He graduated from ETSU 1999 graduate of ETSU receiving a degree in Business Management.

Most of his career was in Food Service Management. He was the General Manager of Pappa John's Pizza in Elizabethton until health issues ended his career.

He enjoyed all kinds of music, spectator sports and political debates.

He was a Type 1 Diabetic and was always willing to work with young diabetics to assure them that they could live a normal life as long as they took good care of themselves.

Jeff was a very caring person and would give anyone a helping hand, the shirt off his back or his last nickel.

He was a lifelong member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was always present on Sunday mornings occupying the back pew and greeting people as they arrived.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Burkey; his maternal grandparents Ralph and Marie Propst and his paternal grandparents Elmer & Edna Burkey.

Survivors include his mother, Susan Propst Burkey, one sister – Michele Oxendine and husband John; one niece, Madison Oxendine; one nephew – Logan Oxendine; one uncle Bill Propst and wife Brenda; several cousins.

The Funeral Service for Jeff will be held on Tuesday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 201 E. Watauga Avenue, JC with Reverend Vincent Shemwell officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will take place following the funeral at Monte Vista Burial Park. Pallbearers will be John Oxendine, Logan Oxendine, Bill Propst, Ken Baskin, Lee Talbert and Frank de Nobriga.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church,

Sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to all the many friends and family for their support, caring and prayers during these past few days. May Jeff rest in peace.

Condolences may be made online at www/wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Burkey family. 423-928-2245