Cecil Leon Burkhalter, 84, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2015, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Visitation was Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 5 PM-8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus, MS. Funeral Services were Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 2pm at Fairview Baptist Church, Columbus, MS with Bro. Sammy Crawford officiating, Bro. Tommy Gillon and Bro. Breck Ladd assisting. Interment was at Hargrove Cemetery in Gordo, AL with Lowndes Funeral Home directing. Leon Burkhalter was a man dedicated to Jesus first and then his family! He was born October 22, 1930 to the late Mr. Johnnie Wilson Burkhalter and the late Mrs. Essie Herring Burkhalter. Mr. Burkhalter had great joy in expressing his love to others: his wife of 62 years, Ellen Burkhalter; son, Delynn Burkhalter; daughter, Wanda Burkhalter; daughter in law, Sue Burkhalter; brother, Gene Burkhalter (Trudie); brother in law, Doug Wilson (Judy); grandsons and their wives, Brooke Burkhalter (Lindsey) and Brett Burkhalter (Chasity); his Burkhalter great grandchildren Kyle, Ayden, Rollins, and Cheyenne; nephews and their families; cousins and many friends. For many years, Mr. Burkhalter enjoyed being head usher at Fairview Baptist Church. He was always smiling, hugging people, and making sure they felt loved. He never met a stranger. Leon Burkhalter's life was filled with the philosophy of working hard no matter the task, but playing equally hard. His summers were filled with fun on the water, often skiing from dawn to dusk. In the fall, the thrill of SEC football sparked Mr. Burkhalter's life; passionately he cheered many times: "Roll Tide!!!" In 1973, Mr. Burkhalter took a step of faith to start Burkhalter Rigging, Inc. His work ethics and "never ever give up" philosophy of life set a firm foundation for a now established business. Mr. Burkhalter loved the people he worked with wholeheartedly. Pallbearers for the celebration of his life were employees of Burkhalter Rigging, Inc., they include: Lonzell "Bo" Harris, Artemio Hernandez, WL Godfrey, John Stephenson, Rick Umfress, Mitch Noblin, Donnell Spencer, Larry Summerville, Chris Lytle, Heath Hickman, David James, and Mike Coleman. Honorary pallbearers were nephews: Ken Burkhalter, Sam Burkhalter, Ron Burkhalter, Steve Burkhalter, Daryl Moss, Barry Moss, Greg Wilson; friends: J. B. Cox, Jack Burks, Carl Hildreth, Clint Weeks, Frank Thomas, Carl Collums, Larry Collums, John Weathers, Steve Atkins, Hayward James, Joe Gillis, Tommy and Belinda Murphy, Doug Wilson, Dr. Jerry Turner, Dr. Dan Bennett, Dr. David Morgan, Dr. Scott Jones, Dr. Rusty Linton, John Wierengo's Sunday School Class, Former and present employees of Burkhalter Rigging Inc. Memorials may be made to Fairview Baptist Church Missions, 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.