William "Billy" Harold Burkart

A Beloved Son, Father, Brother, Fiancé, and Friend.......It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William “Billy” Burkart, who departed this life on October 19, 2026, at the age of 41.

Born on November 29, 1984, on Long Island, New York. Billy enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding bikes, playing handball with friends, and playing football. The summer before starting ninth grade he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. It was here that Billy would build lifelong friendships, create countless memories, and form bonds that would become an unforgettable part of his story. Though Charlotte became his home, he never forgot his New York roots.

Billy was so much more than the years he lived. He was a devoted father, a beloved son, a loving, a cherished fiancé, and the kind of loyal friend most people are lucky to find once in a lifetime. He was a man with a big heart, strong values, and an unwavering belief in doing right by those he loved.

In a world where old-fashioned manners and chivalry sometimes seem forgotten, Billy never stopped believing in them. He was the kind of man who held doors open for ladies, offered to carry something heavy, or went out of his way to help someone in need. To Billy, respect, loyalty, kindness, and good manners weren’t just words. They were values he lived by.

Billy had an especially soft spot for our elders. He believed they deserved kindness, dignity, and respect, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He had a way of making people feel that they mattered.

Family was at the center of Billy’s world. He shared an incredibly special bond with his mother, Tracey, a connection built on a lifetime of love that words could never fully describe. Their relationship was one of a kind, and the place he held in her heart can never be filled.Billy had tremendous admiration for his father, William. He looked up to him, respected the man he is, and deeply admired his work ethic. The example his father set was something Billy carried with him throughout his life.They also shared a love for The New York Giants, a passion that brought them together through every victory, heartbreaking loss, and hopeful new season.

The day his sister, Rebecca, was born, Billy took on the role of her protector. He watched over her, looked out for her, and was a source of strength when she needed someone to lean on. As the years passed, their bond only grew deeper, and the little sister he had always protected became one of his closest friends and confidantes. They shared a lifetime of laughter, memories, and an unconditional love that carried them through life’s challenges. Billy wasn’t just Rebecca’s big brother; he was her protector, her strength, and someone she knew would always have her back. Their relationship was truly one of a kind, and it the love they shared will remain with her forever.

Billy’s love story with his fiancée, Katie, began with a crush when they first met in the ninth grade. Although they didn’t become a couple back then, she always held a special place in his heart. Years later, in 2010, they reconnected, and the girl he had admired as a teenager eventually became the woman he asked to marry and the mother of his daughter. Together they also adopted 2 German shepherds, Diesel and Roxy that brought both of them many joyful memories.

As a father, Billy leaves behind his beloved daughter, Desiree, who will forever carry a part of him. Although their time together was far too short, the love of a father is something that never truly leaves. His memory, his stories, and the love he had for her will continue to be shared and cherished by those who knew him best.

Billy’s greatest quality was his loyalty. Billy wasn’t the kind of friend who was only around when life was easy. He was the friend who answered the phone when everyone else was asleep, showed up when things got difficult, and stood beside you when the rest of the world walked away. If Billy called you his friend, you knew you had someone in your corner.

Billy wasn’t perfect. And the truth is, he never had to be. Because Billy was real. He didn’t have to be a perfect man to leave behind a love that was extraordinary. He simply had to be himself. And being Billy was more than enough.

His passing has left an emptiness in the hearts of his family and friends that words cannot begin to describe. There were still so many conversations to have, memories to make, and moments to share.

Though Billy’s time here was far too short, the love he gave, the laughter he brought, and the memories he created will remain with those who knew and loved him forever. He will always be remembered as a beloved son, protective big brother, loving father, devoted fiancé, loyal friend, and a man whose heart was just as big as his personality. Billy may be gone from our sight, but he will never be gone from our hearts.Rest peacefully, Billy. You were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed.

Billy is survived by his loving parents, William and Tracey Burkart; sister, Rebecca Burkart; her fiancé, Michael “Andrew” Parker; his beloved daughter, Desiree; fiancé, Katherine Straus; Nathan Peregoy; uncle, Butch Flieger; cousins, Sarah and Harry Flieger; and many more family and friends. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Joan “Pompom” Flieger Miller, Harold “PopPop” Flieger, Conrad Miller, William Burkart and Patricia Burkart; uncles, Dr. Edward J. Steel and James Burkart; cousin, Kristine Greco, and his loyal companion, KuJo.

A memorial service honoring Billy’s life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Providence Baptist Church, 4921 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC, 28211 followed by a reception at the Mission Center. Our family warmly invites everyone who knew and loved Billy to join us in celebrating his life, sharing memories, and remembering the laughter and love he brought into our lives. Your presence would mean so much to us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church or to Southeast German Shepherd Rescue https://southeastgermanshepherdrescue.com/great-ways-to-help