SJ Burnette

Mr. SJ Burnette, 86, of Union City died Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Obion County Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until time of service on Thursday at the church.
Rawls Funeral Home in Union City is in charge of arrangements.
SJ Burnett’s life began on Aug. 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 1960, he married the former Gladys Louise Mayberry and they returned to Tennessee in 1971. To this union was born three children: Hetha, Quincy and Vincent Burnett.
Shortly after returning to Tennessee, SJ began working at the former Goodyear Tire & 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 six 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 also preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
Family and friends may leave condolences at www.rawlsfuneralhomes.com.

Published 10.19.22