Ray Burchett

Phillip Ray Burchett, affectionately known as Ray to his friends and family, was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Ashland, Kentucky. Born on July 25, 1947, in Floyd County, Kentucky, to the late John and Telia Cook Burchett, Ray grew up surrounded by the love and strong family values that would come to define his own life.
Ray was the beloved husband of Shirley Holt Burchett for 58 wonderful years. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Angelia Burchett Parsons (John) of Bellefontaine, OH, and Renee Burchett of Anderson, IN. Ray reveled in the joys of grandfather hood with his grandsons Jonathan and Ben Parsons. Though he was the final surviving sibling of his family, he was preceded in death by his sisters Louise Boyd, Lorene Slone, Ruth Ann Davis, Phyllis Ousley, and his brothers Mermon Burchett and Otis Burchett. Ray deeply loved his nieces and nephews of his sisters that went to Heaven before him.
Professionally, Ray began his career as a union carpenter and exemplified dedication and leadership throughout his tenure with Union Local 472. He served as Secretary and Treasurer, the Organizer, and retired as a Registered Lobbyist in Frankfort, Kentucky. His passion for his fellow workers led him to become the first President of the Kentucky State Council of Carpenters, a position he held with great esteem.
Ray's faith and community were pillars of his life. An active member of the Wildwood Church of God, he served as Trustee. His knack for repair and his willingness to aid others found a special place in the church’s "Piddling Crew."
Masonry was another cornerstone of Ray's lifelong journey, evidenced by his proud association with the Rush Masonic Lodge 715 F&AM, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and El Hasa Shrine, where he served as Chaplain. As the 2019 Grand Senior Deacon and Deputy Grand Patron of District 4 Order of the Eastern Star, Ray's commitment knew no bounds. He held honorary memberships in numerous Masonic Lodges, was Secretary and Treasurer of the Past Master District 27 and was dedicated to the Ted Adams Lodge of Research. His charitable spirit extended to the transportation of sick children to Shriner's Hospital in the Shriners Hospital Van.
Beyond his service and career, Ray was an avid fisherman, a dedicated Kentucky basketball fan, passionate deer hunter, and an individual of great generosity.
Visitation will be held from 5p.m. until 8pm Wednesday, April 10, 2028, at STEEN FUNERAL HOME 13TH STREET CHAPEL where a Masonic service will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation will also be held at the funeral home from Noon until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, followed by a celebration of Ray's life at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Harris officiating. Entombment will follow in Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Ray's memory to Wildwood Church of God or to Shriner's Children's Hospital in Lexington, KY.
To share a memory of Ray or to extend a condolence to his family please visit: steenfuneralhome.com.