Mr. Benny Ray Burdette, a resident of Franklinton, was born on Aug. 5, 1937, and passed away on April 26, 2019, at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans, at the age of 81.

Mr. Burdette was born in Bogalusa and raised on the Pearl and Bogue Chitto rivers, where he returned nearly 20 years ago after retirement, living practically “off the grid” on a high bluff overlooking the Bogue Chitto. His love of his “camp” was only surpassed by his love of his family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who surrounded him with love during his last moments before his soul was joined with his lord and savior Jesus Christ and those loved ones who’ve gone before him.

Mr. Burdette was a member of the Army National Guard, and worked as a machinist for Georgia Pacific, Port Hudson Operation for 39 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee “Red” Burdette Jr. and Effie Elizabeth Kaufman Burdette; and one son, Bryan Allen Burdette.

He is survived by his children, Bradley Drew (Susan) Burdette of Denham Springs, Debbie Elizabeth (Robbie) Bush of Baker, Fla., Dedra Deann Kenney (Jay) of Lake Charles, Byron Ray (Madelyn) Burdette of Baton Rouge, Brannan Arthur (Melissa) Burdette of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., Adriona Burdette (Randy) Burge of Picayune, Miss., Laura Lucinda Brown of Crossroads, Miss., Lana Laurette (Eric) Burge of Henleyfield, Miss.; grandchildren, Branden, Justin, Quinton, Ebban, Trey, Chloe, Taylor, Jordan, Jaron, Jayden, Hope, Faith, Kyler, Kyson, Edmond, Noah, Landon, Joshua, Jakob, Abby, Ally, Wesley, Hunter, Zowie, Tyler, Caden, Jeanlynn, Jarret, and Shannon; four great-grandchildren, Rylee, Alex, Samantha, Peyton; and his siblings, Bobby (Pauline) Burdette of Zachary, Jeanette Burdette Lane of Bogalusa, and JoAnn Burdette of Bogalusa.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 1, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., and will continue on Thursday, May 2, from noon until the service time of 2 p.m. The Rev. Fred Brumfield will officiate the service and interment will be held at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Magic City Post 24.

Visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com to view and sign the guestbook.