Willy L. “Larry” Burkhalter, 90, of Inverness, FL passed away peacefully on January
24th, 2022 at his home. He was born to the late Ernest R. and Reba J.
(McMillan) Burkhalter on August 20th, 1931 in Dunnellon, FL.
He graduated from Pasco High School 1949. He spent
the majority of his life here in Florida, and in 1982, made Citrus
County his home after retiring from Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and moving from Tampa to
work as a detective at the Citrus County Sheriffs Department.
After playing baseball for 2 years at the University of Florida, in 1951, Larry bravely and
honorably enlisted and served our country as a member of the United States Air Force, during
the Korean War. In 1951 he was assigned as a clerk and generals aide to Major General A.T.
Wilson Jr. commander of Military Air Transport Service. He also played baseball in the airforce
in Europe. He spent his 4 year enlistment stationed in Germany.
Larry worked in Law Enforcement for 45 years and was passionate about his work. He began
working for the State of FL Beverage Department, Treasury Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and
Firearms, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Department. He guarded 5 American Presidents while
employed with the Treasury Department. He was involved in the investigations of historic
significance including Mississippi in 1964 during the deaths of civil rights workers. He worked in
the woods of North Carolina as a revenuer busting moonshiners and stills. He flew as a Federal
Sky Marshall all over the world in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Flying on international flights to
assist in prevention of hijacking. He worked with motorcycle gangs in the 70’s and 80’s, getting
weapons off our streets. He was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford for his
contributions to the Sky Marshall program. He was very proud of his dedication to public safety.
Larry met the love of his life Jewell Dean Steele in 1968 in Jacksonville, FL. They were married
on April 9th 1970 on his lunch break in Washington DC. They were married 49 years, until her
death In October 2019.
He was most proud of being a good husband, father and grandfather. When he was able he
attended many of his son, daughter, and grandson’s, athletic events. When his kids were young,
you could catch him in the stands at Citrus High cheering on his children.
Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and simply spending time outdoors. He loved days at the Rainbow River with friends and family. He also loved to golf and
to watch his favorite shows and movies, and sports, especially the Florida Gators. He would also cheer on the Bucs, Rays and Lightening. Florida food and fellowship were his specialty. Swamp cabbage, paella, pompano papillote, greek salad, fish chowder were always dishes that called for a party. He would love to tell you a funny story over a good meal and a glass of wine.
Larry, along with his parents, was preceded in death by his brother, Henry Burkhalter and by his sister, Jane Burkhalter. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert Ryland Burkhalter of Inverness, FL and Brenda Locklear (Dexter) of St. Mary’s, GA; his sister, Libby Hand (Charles); and his grandson, Joshua B. Locklear.
A Celebration of Life for Larry will be held on Friday, February 4th,
2022 at 3 PM at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home. A gathering of family and
friends will begin at 2 PM and last until the hour of service for a time
of fellowship and remembrance. Cremation with Care is under the
direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness, FL.
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