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Susan was my beloved wife, best friend, first mate and fishing buddy. We met at Kobie Kooling, Inc., where she was a telemarketer and I was a technician. There was instant attraction. Fred Kobie, who has been my best friend for 30 years, set us up on our first date in March of 1998, and it was love at first sight. Susan and her son, Joseph Burchett moved in with me on June 1st, 1998. That week we started the Englewood branch of Kobie Kooling, she as office manager and me as me as Operations Manager.
I proposed to Susan after her heart surgery in the fall of 1998. I could not let her pass without that special bond only marriage would make between us. We married in the historical church on Green Street on March 18, 2000.
Eighteen is our special number as her birthday is on the 18th of August, mine is on the 18th of April, we closed on a rental home on the 18th and her mother passed away on the 18th of December, 2003.
Susan’s been a part of our boating and fishing adventures for over 10 years. The first time she really tried to fish, she paused and looked me in the eye and said “I get it” meaning she understood why I have boated and fished my whole life. She stated, “When you leave the dock all worries are now gone and left on land.” After that day, Susan became a part of our boat. In the last few years she out-fished all others many times. Susan’s preferred method was Rodney Rod Holder.
I have now words to describe how badly I miss my wife.
Although Susan did not receive a high school diploma, she had street smarts and could accurately judge people within minutes. Her best communication skill was with a smile. Susan had a zest for life but many times her body could not keep up with the physical demands. Susan had her first heart surgery at 8 years old while living in California. She was born with a hole in her heart and a malformed pulmonary valve.
In the years Susan spent with her parents, they lived in many places. Her father Harold was in the Navy and was assigned to the aviation division. Harold and Dorothy were married July 17, 1955 in Fort Myers, Florida. Her mother was a native of Fort Myers. Her father was born in New York State. Both of Susan’s parents are deceased.
Before we met, Susan was a head chef at a retirement home and her love of creating meals never ceased. After that, Susan worked in a hosiery mill in Statesville, NC.
I am Susan’s third husband and she always said the third time is a charm. So right she was and Susan was my first wife.

Susan’s niece, Julie Griffin writes that Aunt Sue was a good hearted loving person. She loved her family and her friends. She always tried to help everyone out and she always stayed positive. She saw the good in people no matter what happened. She loved her husband more than life itself. There weren’t many times that I didn’t see a smile on her face. She was always proud. She enjoyed spending time out on the boat fishing and enjoyed the time spent with her husband. Her voice always changed to a happy one when she talked about her Granddaughter. She was strong and a special person, mother, wife, sister, daughter, and Aunt.
Arrangements are by Lemon Bay Funeral Home and Cremation Services.