"I was a kid a mountain view... don you was always wonderful to me treated me like i was a human when no one else took the time. I will never forget the conversations and coffee! Fly high my friend. Mitch"
In loving memory of
Donald Ray Burnette
June 5, 1963 - July 5, 2020
Donald Ray "Big Don" Burnette, age 57, of Powder Springs, TN went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 5, 2020.
He is preceded in death by his daddy, Donald Eugene Burnette; grandparents, Claude E. and Mary E. Burnette, Dallas N. and Nellie M. Atchley and mother-in-law, Karen Collins.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Heidi Collins Burnette; daughter, Jessica Cameron; mother, Carolyn Atchley Burnette; brother, Dallas (Kristi) Burnette; sisters, Elizabeth (Roy "Mac") McLemore, Diane (Jason) Hunter; father-in-law, Bill Collins; brother-in-law's, Ben (Stephanie) Collins, and Nick (Whitney) Collins; nephews, John Kincaid, Dallas McLemore, Dylan Burnette, Zach Sisson, Eric Collins, Jackson Collins; niece, Ashley (Casey) Wise, Kaleigh Collins, Harper Collins; step nephew, Brice Hunter and his daughter Evie; several close cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and extended family.
He graduated from Lincoln Memorial University with a master's degree in education where he was a member of Sigma Pi Beta Fraternity. Don was able to express his passion for art and music at LMU by teaching pottery and playing bass in a band. Among many other interests he had a deep love for history. Don was employed with the Tennessee Department of Child Services for several years.
The family will receive friends at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel (5301 Fountain Rd, Knoxville, TN 37918) on Tuesday, July 14th from 4pm-7pm with a funeral service to follow at 7pm. Graveside will be held 11am on Wednesday, July 15th at Eastview Memorial Gardens in Strawberry Plains (1320 Andrew Johnson Hwy, 37871).
Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Burnette family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.
Tributes
"AUNT CAROLYN AND FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR WHOLE FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND COMFORT YOU."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Sending lots of hugs your way. Love Peggy, Marshall, Michelle"
"To the family of Don Burnette, Fond memories of Don Burnette as a TSEA advocate for our chapter, the Memphis Higher Education Chapter of TSEA. His vote of confidence in establishing our chapter was a wonderful blessing to me almost 10 years ago. He was smart, sensible and passionate about his position as a Board of Director member. Always looking at obstacles in a new light. Visionary and supportive friend. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends! Regina Cade, Paul L. Cade and The Memphis Higher Education Chapter of TSEA"
"Worked with Don at Mountain View. Was always a kind and compassionate man"
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Burnette. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mayor Gary D. Chandler(City of Plainview)"
"I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Don, he was a good man. He will be missed. Greta Tilson"
"CAROLYN AND FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. PRAYING FOR GOD TO GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT."
"Prayers for the family "
"I knew Don from Mountain View YDC. Don was a caring individual, ready to help anyone, especially a juvenile delinquent. He helped to make our treatment efforts valuable to the juveniles with whom he worked. I am so sorry for the family's loss. May God be with them and comfort them. Rest in peace, my dear friend."
"Big Brother Don Rest in Peace. Sigma Pi Beta Little Sis. "
"Prayers for the family...."
"Prayers for the family. We will see him again when he is playing in the heavenly band. "
"Me and Donald would ride around and listen to music, i have some pictures of Donald from year books, we had so much fun together, he liked music like me, i am so saddened by this news, it hurts my heart, REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR TIMES TOGETHER, LOVE, OMMO WHITENER ANDERSON."