James Ray Burke

James Ray Burke, age 97, of Russellville, Ohio, formerly of Hillsboro, Kentucky, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022, at Hospice of Hope in Maysville.

He was born August 29, 1924, in Fleming County, and was the son of the late Russell Pettit and Delia Ann Spurlock Pettit.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lillian Marie Storer Burke on November 30, 2008; one daughter, Janice Botkin; and four grandsons, SSgt. John E. Cooper, Terrance M. Cooper, David Burke, and Michael Burke.

He is survived by six children and their spouses:  Leah (Colin) Klump of Georgetown, Ohio; John (Connie) Burke of Russellville, Ohio; Michael (Denise) Burke of Manchester, OH; Jeffrey (Cynthia) Burke of West Chester, Ohio; Russell (Robin) Burke of Mays Lick, KY; and Teresa (John) Gates of Ripley, Ohio; 15 grandchildren; 42 great grandchildren; and 6 great-great grandchildren, as well as extended family and friends.

Mr. Burke retired as a lathe operator from the R. K. LeBlond Machine Tool Company in 1986, after working with the company for 36 years.  He was an avid storyteller and a living record of Fleming County history.  He was the oldest member of the Lower Rock Lick Enterprise Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Hutton Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Engle and the Rev. Willie Skaggs, Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, June 6, 2022, at the Hutton Funeral Home, 7634 Hillsboro Road, Hillsboro, KY 41049.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to the Lower Rock Lick Enterprise Baptist Church, 1169 Lower Rock Lick Road, Hillsboro, KY 41049.

Sign guestbook at www.huttonfuneralhome.com 

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