Burchell Napier, Jr, age 75, of Baxter, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Tri-Cities Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cumberland. The only son of four children born to Burchell, Sr. and Jill Fiorini Napier, Burchell was born on April 25, 1949, in Ages, KY.

After graduating from Evarts High School, Burchell worked five years as a coal miner before enlisting in the United States Army in May of 1974.  During his time in the Army, he accumulated four years of college courses through Columbia University. He enjoyed military life so much that he made it his career. Positions he held over the course of his 26 years in the Army include Military Police, Unit Supply Specialist, Recruiter, and eventually, Command Sergeant Major. Burchell received numerous medals and decorations during those years, some of which include Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, M16 Rifle Expert, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, and Overseas Service Ribbon. He retired in 2000.

Burchell is preceded in death by his wife, Annetta "Nika" Napier; his parents, Burchell, Sr. and Jill Napier; two sisters, Barbara Violett and Sharon Roper; and a brother-in-law, Carl Jackson.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Keith Napier and wife, Trish, of Plainfield, IN, and Kenton Napier and wife, Jennifer, of Baxter, KY; eight grandchildren: Summer Jones, Collin Jones, Noah Napier, Kelson Napier, Kade Napier, Kastiel Napier, Kerrigan Napier, Kerris Napier; three great-grandchildren: Briar Stinson, Bellamy Stinson, Lyla Jones, and one on the way; one sister, Amelia Jackson; mother-in-law, Betty Short Holland; two brothers-in-law: Greg Short and Jim Roper; many extended relatives; and a host of friends.

Services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 with the funeral beginning at 3:00. Reverend Jesse Kinder and Reverend Wayne Huff will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Evarts Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Military Rites will be performed by the Harlan County Honor Guard.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Burchell Napier, Jr.