Guilford McKinley Burdick

Guilford McKinley Burdick, 92, died March 3, 2016. Born September 16, 1923, devoted son of Jessie Whatley Burdick, he was a WWII Veteran, having served in the Merchant Marines on a military cargo ship, where he was awarded the Mariner’s Medal. He then enlisted in the Army and rose to the rank of lieutenant. He left the military after marrying his beloved wife, Aida Solazzo of NY city. They settled in Greenville in the early 50’s, where Gil started his own business, Fabricated Products. He was a founding member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and a former president of the Exchange Club of Greenville. Gil loved to hunt and as a hobby, owned and operated Poinsett Kennel and Quail Club. He loved to farm and watch things grow. He and Ida loved to travel. He was a proud member of the Shriners and in retirement, conducted tours at the Shriners Hospital. He was also an avid golfer and played regularly until suffering a stroke in the late 1990’s.
Surviving are 3 children: Tom Burdick (Cynthia) of Chapin, SC, Jeri Burdick of Eutawville, SC and Madelyn Burdick of Goose Creek, SC; 4 grandchildren: Susan Domke (Chris) of Midlothian, VA, Duane Burdick of Columbia, SC, Gary Burdick of Columbia, SC and Michael Burdick of Virginia, Minnesota; 2 great-grandchildren: Katelyn and Jessica Domke.
Gil loved his family, his friends and his church, St. Michael’s Lutheran Church.
A service will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 1:00pm at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church at 2617 Augusta Street. Visitation will follow afterwards at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Michael's Lutheran Church or Shriners Hospital CSSC-Westville Funerals 864-269-5073.