Richard Doyle Burke
Richard Doyle Burke
Richard Doyle Burke, 74 of Chipley, went to be with his Heavenly Father as he was surrounded by his loving family and friends at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL on December 27, 2025.
Born in Tampa, Fl on June 21, 1951, to Tillman and Bonnie Burke, Richard graduated from Tampa High School and worked with his father in pest control before serving 3 years in the United States Army. After leaving the military, he was hired as a Hillsborough County Deputy Sheriff where he served in the Canine Unit.
In the early 70’s, Richard moved to Chipley and a few years later started his own pest control business, Cross Country Exterminators. His vision for the business was for it to offer jobs to highly trained professional employees and provide exceptional service to its customers. Although the company has since changed owners, Richard’s early business model and his employee development proved instrumental in laying the framework to ensure its continued success some 50 years after opening in 1975.
After starting his pest control business, the only creature that Richard couldn’t exterminate was the “law enforcement bug”. He once again found himself in a uniform as he proudly served several years as a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Between being a “bug man” and a “law man” he somehow found the time to enjoy an occasional round of golf while also perfecting his study of karate. Richard was also honored to serve on the Legislative Board for the Florida Pest Control Association and further gave of his time by volunteering with youth programs at church. Many of his Royal Ranger alumni would continue to address him as Commander Burke long after they left the program!
Whether it was through providing pest control options, law enforcement duties, or karate instruction, Richard’s professional life was filled with serving his community. However, it wasn’t until he sold his business that he realized God had been nudging him toward a different type of service…ministry. Richard responded to this calling with all that he had. He would spend the final 15 years of his life in full devotion to the Lord as he, alongside other members of the Hellfighters Motorcycle Ministry, shared the way to Jesus with people both near and far.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents; Tillman and Bonnie Burke, and sister; Paulette Sherman.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Burke; his daughters: Rachael Varnum, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and Tracy Cheverez, of Plant City, Florida; his siblings: Paul Burke, of Zephyrhills, Florida and Pam Pettis (Dallas), of Chipley, Florida; his grandchildren: Paige McArdle, Justin Pelland, Derek Pelland, Joey D’azzo, and Nathan Graxirena; his great grandchildren: Skylar Rae Pelland, Emmitt Pelland, Blayke Pelland, and Kollyns Pelland; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the Wausau Assembly of God, with Brother Danny Burns officiating. Interment will be at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chipley followed by a Celebration of Life at the Hellfighters’ Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hellfighters Ministries of Chipley.