Walter Burton Sanderlin Obituary

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, Walter Burton Sanderlin found his eternal peace with our Lord and Savior. Funeral services will be at 3:00pm on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Green Hills Funeral Home with Rev. Dave “Doc” Kirby officiating.  The visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow in the cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his father.  Burt is survived by his partner and life love, Arianna George; mother, Kimberly Sanders May; sister, Lane Griffin; brothers, Tyler Sanderlin (Elena), Dane Sanderlin; nieces, Willa and Florence Sanderlin and nephew, Raife Sanderlin. Burt was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Sanderlin; step-father, Kenny May; grandparents, Lester and Olene Sanders and William and Marion Sanderlin, and brother in law, Chad Griffin.

Burt was a quiet man, who bore both the hardships and victories of life with reserved dignity. He seldom spoke of the successes of his life and few knew that he held multiple degrees from Auburn University and Faulkner University, or the black belts he earned in multiple martial arts disciplines. Nor did he want any attention for what his family and friends considered nothing more than heroism, when he stayed on duty at Bayfront Medical in Panama City, Florida as Hurricane Michael wreaked devastation on the hospital. Burt gave comfort and aid to the sick, wounded, and dying, helping evacuate the Intensive Care Unit as a storm-spawned tornado severely damaged the building.

At his heart, Burt was a family man. He would drive for hours just to see his nieces and nephew, and they absolutely adored and loved their Uncle Burt. Since the passing of his father, Ralph Sanderlin in 2015, Burt made it a priority to have daily chats with his brothers and sister, a testament to the importance that family played in his life. Burt always had a loving and deep relationship with his mother, and he would go out of his way to make sure she never worried about him.

Burt had a happy and fulfilling life shared with his love Arianna George. From travels abroad to holiday road trips, they walked hand in hand together. They simply got each other and complemented each other’s personalities perfectly.

He was a great brother, a dear friend, a loving companion, a loyal and caring son, and a fantastic Uncle. His passing leaves a hole in the lives of all that cared for him, and he will be missed dearly. However, we all know that Burt and his Dad have already enjoyed a fishing trip in that eternal sunset.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic Epilepsy Trials in memory of Burt. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanderlin family.