Gariel Vaughn Burchett, 78, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away on March 30, 2024, from complications of pancreatic cancer, at North Fulton Medical Center, with his loving wife of 30 years, Sue Cox Kath Burchett, by his side.
Gariel Burchett was born in Springfield, Tennessee in 1945 to James Wardell Burchett and Helen Doris Gregory Burchett who later moved to Bradenton, Florida to raise their family. Gariel attended Manatee High School and following graduation, joined the Army in September of 1964. He served for 4 years across the US, Europe, and Asia including time as a Sergeant in the 5th United States Army during the Vietnam War. Gariel was officially and honorably discharged in September of 1970 after which he pursued an undergraduate degree at George Mason University, graduating in 1978 in Accounting and Economics. Gariel's career included work with several major companies, but ultimately ended with his retirement from the US Department of Treasury serving as an International Finance Regulator.
Gariel was involved with a variety of charitable organizations and had a passion for community engagement. He was an active member of Alpharetta Methodist Church, devoting his time and energy to church affiliated groups including Alpharetta Methodist Men's Ministry and The Friendship Sunday School Class. He was also passionate about supporting first-responder and military personnel and was involved with charitable donations to the Tunnels to Towers mission and participated in the Wreaths Across America program. Gariel was engaged in various leadership positions within his neighborhoods and communities throughout his life, including the HOA in Belleterre in Milton, serving on the City of Milton Planning Commission, the Board of Directors for Academy Park in Alpharetta, and on a number of committees for the neighborhood as well. Furkids Animal Rescue and Shelters also became a passion of Gariel's after learning of the organization in 2020. Gariel became involved with the transport of animals as well as fundraising efforts and made significant contributions to the organization over the course of several years. Gariel, along with his wife Sue, adopted 2 cats, Coco and Mandy, from Furkids after their 18 year-old kitty, Frannie, passed away in 2022. Finally, but certainly significant among other contributions not noted, Gariel and Sue have supported Georgia Southern University for many years. They have endowed a number of scholarships for the Parker College of Business and continue to support the Athletics program and the University overall.
Gariel was preceded in death by his parents James and Doris Burchett and brother Roy Greg Burchett. He is survived by his wife Sue, sisters Toni Burchett Dutcher of Wilkesboro, NC, and Vicky Burchett Keys of Trinity, FL, brother-in-law Don Cox (Carole) of Greenville, SC, 5 nieces/nephews, and 9 great nieces/nephews.
A memorial service in remembrance of Gariel Burchett will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 2 pm at Alpharetta Methodist Church (69 N. Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009) with a casual reception to follow. A further celebration of life gathering will be organized and held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of Gariel's favorite nonprofits or your charity of choice would be greatly appreciated: Furkids Animal Shelter and Rescue (furkids.org), ), Tunnels to Towers Foundation (t2t.org), and/or Alpharetta Methodist Church (amchurch.com).