James Elmer Burnette

(Dec. 18, 2012)

James (Elmer) Burnette, born May 2, 1916, left this earth for Heaven's rest on Dec. 18. He was the son of Tom and Delilah Galyon Burnette and was the last survivor of their seven children. Raised as a sharecropper, he became the sole support of his large family at a young age. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 and was in the Invasion of Normandy. He was able to tell of his war experiences until six weeks prior to his death.

His surviving children are Marvin and Sandi Burnette, Tommy and Kay Burnette, Louise and John Barnes, Sue and Steve Clark, Darrell and Rhonda Burnette, Dennis and Iva Burnette and Vanessa and Chris Francis. Rankin predeceased him in 2007.

He was married to Estelle Gallihar Burnette who died in 2003. He has 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a beloved niece, Jessie Raby Wright and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family acknowledges Dr. Sigrid Johnson and Susan Bell, Brenda Hooks, Linda Wray and Jenny Tilley and especially Adam Burnette, who cared for him during his last days.

We invite you to celebrate his 96 1/2 years of living at Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, from 4-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21 with a memorial and military service to be held at Cedar Fork Baptist, his home church for 66 years, on Saturday, Dec. 22, his 66th wedding anniversary at 2 p.m., with Rev. Clayton Dunsmore, Rev. Mark Richesin and Rev. Chris Burnette officiating.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Fork Baptist Church or charity of your choice. Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.