06/08/2026
Johnny Jack Burnette passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 93. A man of faith, wisdom, and deep devotion to others, Jack lived a full and remarkable life defined by service, compassion, and many God-given talents. Jack was born on September 8, 1932, in Dalhart, Texas, and was raised in New Bern, North Carolina. Some of his happiest boyhood memories came from countless hours spent fishing and crabbing, often taking his small boat to a deserted island near New Bern. On one visit, he carved “Jack’s Island” into a piece of wood and placed it along the bank. Years later, when developers transformed the area into a picnic and recreation site, they discovered his sign and officially named the area Jack’s Island, a fitting tribute to the adventurous spirit of a young boy whose name would become a lasting part of the local landscape. After graduating from Mars Hill College in 1952 with a degree in Liberal Arts, Jack entered the United States Navy that same year in New Bern. He served six years on active duty from 1952 to 1957 as a naval pilot and flight navigator, including service during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Lieutenant JG in 1955. Following active duty, he continued his naval service for fourteen additional years in the Naval Reserves, retiring at the rank of Commander at NAS Jacksonville. During his military career, he traveled extensively, and fellow aviators knew him by the nickname “Phantom.” His service earned him the China Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam-era medal. Following his naval service, Jack began a 32-year career in social work service with the Veterans Administration, dedicating his professional life to caring for those who served our nation. He retired as Chief of Social Work Service at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lake City, Florida. He was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to the highest ethical standards of his profession, his effective leadership, and his sincere devotion to patients and their families. Jack’s desire to help others extended beyond his formal career. As a certified hypnotist, he assisted hundreds of people in overcoming difficult habits and challenges, helping many quit smoking, lose weight, and make lasting changes in their lives. His special gifts were also called upon in many matters of public safety and law enforcement, and he was officially commended by the State Attorney of the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida for providing vital services that helped make a difference in the outcome of a nationally critical case. Jack was also richly gifted in music and faith. A talented trumpet player, he especially loved playing church hymns, and his strong faith in God remained central to his life. Over the years, he served faithfully in church as a choir member, soloist, deacon, and minister of music. He was particularly known for his moving rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer,” which he sang beautifully. He also found great joy in worshiping alongside his beloved wife, Louise, and especially enjoyed hearing her play the organ at church. He remained active in church as long as his health allowed. In addition to his many accomplishments, Jack pursued his hobbies with enthusiasm and excellence. He was a Master of Duplicate Bridge, which he and Louise enjoyed playing in tournaments and with dear friends. He was also an avid quail hunter and gifted dog trainer, known throughout the Lake City area for raising and training exceptional bird dogs. Those who knew Jack in hunting circles often said he had the finest bird dogs in Lake City, and many people waited eagerly for the opportunity to own one of Jack’s well-trained dogs. Above all, Jack leaves a legacy of strength, faith, service, and love. His life touched family, friends, church members, fellow veterans, colleagues, and countless others who benefited from his kindness, skill, and steady character. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Roy M. and Cora (Quarterman) Burnette; his sisters, Myrtle Roach and Eunice White; his niece, Janet Daigle; and his daughter, Holly Anne Burnette, who died at age 12 from Cystic Fibrosis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Dorothy Louise Burnette; his daughters, Denise Burnette Camferdam (Mike), Leah Burnette (Rick), Joni Burnette Pirnot (Steve, deceased), and Amy Burnette Parker (John “Jay”). He is survived by Betty Joos, the mother of his daughters. He is survived by his stepson, Lee Darst (Anne); his stepdaughter, Deanne Plemmons (Paul); his nieces, Karen Breedlove and Dolores Rauschl; his nephew, Gary White; his sister-in-law, Ethlyn Garlichs; his grandchildren, Kyle, Kelly, Samantha, Laney, Zena, Stephanie, Mona, Tyler, Dylan, and Kalie; as well as many great-grandchildren and extended family members who will cherish his memory.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Memorial Cemetery in Lake City, Florida. Guerry Forbes Funeral Home of Lake City is honored to serve the Burnette family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charities Jack faithfully supported:
Florida Baptist Children’s Home P.O. Box 8190 Lakeland, Florida 33802
onemorechild.org/give
Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, North Carolina 28607
samaritanspurse.org
