S J Burnette

Mr. S J Burnette, 86, of Union City died Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Obion County Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 until time of service on Thursday at the church.

SJ Burnett’s life began on August 23, 1936. He was born to Madeline and Lee Gettie Burnett who both preceded him in death.

SJ attended the former Miles High School. In 1955, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 10 years. He was at sea for much of his career. In November of 1960, he married the former Gladys Louise Mayberry and they returned to Tennessee in 1971. To this union was born 3 children: Hetha, Quincy, and Vincent Burnett.

Shortly after returning to Tennessee, SJ began working at the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where he retired after 28 years of service.

SJ was a member of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities including deacon, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher, and church bus driver. He loved his church and was faithful until his health began to decline.

In addition to his wife and children, he leaves to mourn his memory a grandson he raised as his own, Antonio Burnett; as well as 6 other grandchildren; one sister, Ella Burnett; one brother, Willie Lee (Maybelline) Burnett; three sisters-in-law, Betty (Louis) Brack; Inez Mayberry; and Linda Maberry; one brother-in-law, Ben Vaughn; his favorite niece, Donna Lorhorn; his best friend, Perry Douglas; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and other family.

He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Rawls Funeral Home - Union City 731-855-8110