State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, longtime Clarksville government leader and businessman, has died at age 63.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – State Rep. Jeff Burkhart, longtime Clarksville government leader and businessman, has died at age 63. He passed while in his home Friday morning, according to family members.
Condolences over his death were posted to social media Friday morning, including from Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. “State Rep. Jeff Burkhart was a good friend who always showed up to help others. He loved representing Montgomery County and was fully dedicated to improving the lives of those he represented,” she said.
Burkhart, a Republican, had represented state House District 75 since 2023.
Praise of Burkhart from state leaders
“He served with dedication, humility, and a genuine love for the people of Montgomery County and the great state of Tennessee,” said a statement from the Tennessee House Republican Caucus. “Rep. Burkhart’s life of public service – from his years with the Clarksville Fire Department and his time on the Clarksville City Council to his work in the General Assembly – reflected his unwavering commitment to community, faith, and the values that bring Tennesseans together. His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety, and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on our state.”
Burkhart was appreciated across the aisle as well. “We’ve lost a beloved member of our legislative family,” Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons said. “Rep. Burkhart was an exemplary public servant and champion for the families of Montgomery County. He touched many lives with his service and will be dearly missed by all in our State Capitol.”
Fellow local state Rep. Ronnie Glynn of Clarksville said, “This morning I was devastated to learn that my friend and colleague Rep. Jeff Burkhart passed away. … I was proud to serve alongside Rep. Burkhart and share a passion for serving the Clarksville community. He will be deeply missed by myself and our colleagues in the Tennessee State House.”
About Jeff Burkhart
Jeffery Darrell Burkhart was a lifelong resident of Clarksville. He graduated from Northwest High School in 1980 and received an associate’s degree in Fire Science from Volunteer State Community College in 2014, according to Clarksville Now archives.
Shortly after he graduated high school, he started working for the Clarksville Gas and Water Department. In 1982, he transferred to the Fire Department and worked his way up through the ranks to the leadership role of assistant fire chief. In 1985, he began his career in the construction industry and has since grown a business developing commercial and residential subdivisions, as well as building commercial and residential properties.
Burkhart was elected to Ward 12 of the Clarksville City Council in 2008 and re-elected again in 2012 and 2016. In 2022, Burkhart was elected to the Tennessee House, District 75, and he was re-elected in 2024. He was a member of the Commerce Committee, Disaster Relief Committee of Extraordinary Session, State & Local Government Committee, Transportation Committee of 1st Extraordinary Session, Business & Utilities Subcommittee, Departments & Agencies Subcommittee and Public Service Subcommittee.
Burkhart was a member of Hilldale Church of Christ. He is survived by Cindy Greene and his daughter Meredith Grace Burkhart.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
This article will be updated.
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