The Shadow
Malcom Raynon Burkholder, Jr.
Malcom Raynon Burkholder, Jr., of Monroe, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Born on October 14, 1949, in Covington, VA, he was the son of the late Malcom R. Burkholder, Sr. and Kathleen Hayslett Burkholder. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Liam Burkholder.
Malcom graduated from Covington High School in 1968 before proudly serving in the Army National Guard at Fort Gordon, GA. He later earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology from Blue Ridge Community College. A passionate entrepreneur, Malcom founded Elecom, a two-way radio communications business originally based in Covington, which later expanded to Lexington and Lynchburg. He also ran several other successful businesses in the Lynchburg area, including the popular pager and cellphone store Page Me.
Alongside his professional pursuits, Malcom was deeply committed to serving others. He was a lifetime member of the Covington Rescue Squad, one of the first Registered Paramedics in the area. He traveled frequently to the Dominican Republic with United Methodist Volunteers in Mission and COPA.
There, he provided critical medical support, supplies, and helped construct schools, homes, and medical offices in underserved villages. The local children fondly nicknamed him “El Oso” (The Bear).
Malcom was a licensed pilot, an avid enthusiast of amateur radio and a real estate agent. He was a proud member of the National Association for Amateur Radio and the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by his three children: Dusty Beard and her husband, Marshall, Tim Burkholder and his wife, Stephanie, Amanda Kassab and her husband, Ryan. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Allison, Hunter (his wife Mercia), Nikolai, Erik, Mason, and Josie, two sisters: Joyce Newcomb and Sue Persinger, numerous nieces, and nephews, as well as his special friend Delphia Wright.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, officiated by Pastor Jeffrey Campbell. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Noah’s Landing for the love and care they showed to “Mr. Mack” and his family.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com
