Vivian B Adams School - Stepping Stones Yearbook (Ozark, AL)

Page 8 text:

Billie McGinty — Bookkeeper Gail Tew — Secretary

Page 7 text:

RAYGENE MARLIN BURKETT Raygene Marlin Burkett was born in a small settle- ment of Lenox in Conecuh County, Alabama, on May 31, 1928. His father, Ernest C. Burkett, was a teacher and school principal. Mary H. Burkett, his mother, was a woman who had strong moral and religious beliefs. After attending elementary school in Lenox and Providence, he attended junior high at Starling- ton, a small town nearby. In 1944, he entered Georgiana High. He was very active in athletics — football, baseball and basketball. As a small child basketball fascinated him — and it always did. He didn't realize as a youngster that he would play basketball in college and in the army. In the fall of 1947, he entered Troy State Universi- ty, majoring in physical education. During his col- lege days, he played varsity basketball. Since he loved the sport so much, he decided he would like to coach basketball. Before completion of his first year of teaching in Cullman County, Alabama, he was drafted by the Army. He served two years in the military at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He often commented that he had orders for Korea, but the Regimental Commander requested that he remain in the regi- ment so that he could play basketball for the unit. After being discharged, Raygene returned to Georgiana. During this time, he built his parents a home. He was a very good carpenter, plumber and electrician. It seemed to mean a great deal to him that he was able to do something for his parents since they had meant so much to him and they had sacrificed so much for his education. In August, 1953, he accepted a job teaching in Ozark because he was assured that he would be able to coach basketball. Then with the assistance of his G.I. Bill, he entered Graduate School at Auburn. After attending on week-ends and nights for the next six years, he received a Masters de- gree in School Administration and a AA Certifi- cate. He married a fecal Dale County girl, Carolyn Brown, in July, 1956. Their first child, a son, Mick- ey, was born in January, 1959. In his humorous manner, he often stated that, of all times, he was born during a basketball game, and he had to miss the game. During the following year he used his many talents again to build a home for himself and his family. Their daughter, Cheryl, was born in January, 1963. He decided to leave his coaching position at Car- roll High School in 1959 to become the Principal of Emma P. Flowers School. An outstanding honor he received was being elected President of the Alabama Department of Elementary School Prin- cipals in 1966. One of his favorite activities was turkey hunting. Each spring he spent hours, sitting patiently, at- tempting to attract a big turkey gobbler. He al- ways enjoyed swapping hunting stories with friends. In July, 1971, the Dale County Mental Retardation Board offered Raygene the opportunity to be- come Director of a new school that was being opened in Ozark — Vivian B. Adams School. He accepted this position and the challenge that it presented. Many times he said this was the best decision he ever made, as he loved his work and enjoyed each day better than the day before. He was truly dedicated to the school and its students. He was a busy person — always repairing some- thing, making furniture, re-roofing houses, and assisting others in many, many ways. He was not content to sit and be idle. He would sometimes become completely engrossed in his painting, an- other talent he developed. He took great pride in painting a particular scene for a friend or relative. He always had time for everybody, regardless of how busy he might be. Raygene Burkett was a unique individual. He cared about people. He was concerend about the little things in life — things that really mattered. He was always trying to make people laugh and to make them comfortable in any situation. He was considerate, thoughtful, and completely unself- ish. He seemed to enjoy life to the fullest. Al- though he was getting older, he was always young at heart. In May, 1977, he suffered a major heart attack. Within two months he returned to work on a full time basis, even with extensive heart damage, he followed his regular schedule of meeting obliga- tions and fulfilling his responsibilities. He had compassion, understanding, humility, and sincerity that few people have. His life touched so many lives from all walks of life. The influence he had on many young people he came in contact with through the years would be immeasurable. Raygene Burkett died on the night of April 1, 1982, on a basketball court, where he was playing the sport that he enjoyed so much and the sport that initially brought him to Ozark, Alabama. A deep void now exists at Adams School. All hearts are saddened by his untimely death; how- ever, a deep sense of appreciation is felt for hav- ing had this fine man as a leader for eleven years. Dale County is certainly a better place because of the life of Raygene Burkett.

Page 9 text:

PRESCHOOL I 5