Burdette William Docter, (Bro. Bud), born September 14, 1941 in Wilmington, Ohio was welcomed into Heaven on April 3, 2026.

Bud was the son of the late Fredrick Charles Docter and Gladys Bernice Henselman Docter. He was the ninth of ten children. He was raised in Ohio until his teenage years when his dad had a heart attack and Bud went to work to help his dad.

Later the family moved to Florida where Bud met the love of his life, Rebecca Virginia Billingsley Docter on New Year’s Eve at a skating rink. They were married at Citrus Park Baptist Church on August 31, 1962. They were married 54 years. Together they raised three beautiful daughters, Twila, Tammy and Taryn. They built a life based on faith in Christ, love for their family, and service to the Lord. He worked as lather, a firefighter where he became a captain, and as an electrician. Bud surrendered to the call to ministry at Citrus Park in 1978 and moved to Graceville, FL to attend Baptist Bible Institute where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology.

During his life, he served the Lord as a deacon, youth minister, and pastor at many churches including Citrus Park Baptist Church (Tampa, FL), Esto Baptist Church (Esto, FL), Unity Baptist Church (Vernon, FL), Mentor Baptist Church (Mentor, KY), First Baptist Church (Laurel Hill, FL), Winter Beach Baptist Church (Winter Beach, FL), Cora Baptist Church (Jay, FL), Holtville Riverside Baptist Church (Wetumpka, AL), Florida Baptist Children’s Home, Clear Springs Baptist Church (Paxton, FL), Mitts Chapel Baptist Church, and Merry Wood Lodge.

After Becky’s passing, Bud met Patsy Lynn Brown Docter (Pat). Bud and Pat shared 8 wonderful years together. They enjoyed spending time with family and friends and laughing together. Pat lovingly cared for Bud during his battle with cancer and was by his side with his daughters as he passed.

Bud will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his daily text messages to his girls, his love for all his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and was looking forward to the arrival of his first great great grandchild. His faithful service to Jesus Christ led many people to the Lord. He was a compassionate friend who would do anything he could to help someone in need, including sacrificially giving of his time and many talents. His skills before becoming a minister were used to renovate many of the churches that he served.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat Docter; her two children Brian (Michelle), Angie (Carlton) and two grandsons Adam and Jake. His daughters Twila Duck (Tony), Tammy Goodman (Buddy), and Taryn Lockett (Jerome). His sister Helen Richardson. His brother Lawrence Docter (Glenna). His grandchildren Tanya Stewart, Cierra Majerik, Nikki Dunsieth, Ashley Gay, Rachel Lauen, Lewis Goodman, and Luke Lockett. He is also survived by 15 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

While we will miss him here on earth, we are confident that he met the Savior on Good Friday morning. We know the Savior said, “Well done thou good and faithful servant” as he was welcomed into heaven. His desire would be that each of you would also meet him in Heaven by choosing to turn from sin and accept forgiveness from Jesus Christ.

The family would like to thank many church members, friends, and Ivy Creek Hospice for your compassion towards us.

A time of Visitation will be held Monday, 1:00 -2:00 PM, Monday, April 6th, 2026 at Gassett Funeral Home Chapel; 204 E Charles Ave, Wetumpka, AL 36092

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Southwide Baptist Church Cemetery; 1307 Coy Burgess Loop, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 with Brother James Majerik officiating.

Pall Bearers will be Lewis Goodman, Luke Lockett, Glen Gay, Christopher Lauen, Robert Stewart, Michael McLing, and Zach Ackman.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home at www.fbchomes.org .

Flowers are being accepted.

Burial will be held at Southwide Batist Church Cemetery.