Mr. Gerald Thomas Burnette's Obituary
Gerald Thomas “Butch” Burnette, age 77, passed away May 16, 2018. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Burnette and Eleanor Elizabeth Scruggs; brother, Kenneth Burnette, and sister, Judy Burnette James. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of fifty-seven years, Patsy Ward Burnette; daughters Stacy Burnette Butler (Randy) and Amy Burnette Myers (Kurt); son, Bartley Thomas Burnette (Heather); grandchildren, Ann Claire Butler, Jackson Butler, Benton Myers, Maclain Myers, Brock Myers, and Cade Thomas Burnette.
Butch grew up in Inglewood attending Dalewood Baptist Church and Isaac Litton High School. While at Litton, he was a multiple sport standout and quarterback for the 1958 Clinic Bowl Championship Team. Many of his closest friends today date back to his time spent as a Litton Lion. He went on to attend Georgetown College, where he played football.
Butch found a way to extend his career on the field by becoming one of the TSSAA’s most dedicated, respected, and loved football officials. His tenure spanned forty-three years and earned him a place in the MTFOA Hall of Fame. His success on the field was born from his love of the game and the people he worked with.
His devotion to the Lord was evident in the way he loved and cared for his family and friends. Butch’s complete dedication to Patsy was an inspiration for us all. He was an encourager, up-lifter, and protector. Butch was a lot of fun and a true joy to be around. He will be terribly missed.
Visitation for Butch will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 1 PM until 4 PM at First Baptist Church Hendersonville and again on Monday, May 21, 2018 from 10 AM until 1 PM at which time a Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted from the chapel of First Baptist Church Hendersonville. Arrangements by Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, A Nashville landmark since 1785 “Where Nashville Comes to Remember”
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