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Paul Wayne Burnett

1938 - 2012

Paul Wayne Burnett obituary, 1938-2012, Conicville, VA

BORN

1938

DIED

2012

Paul Burnett Obituary

Paul Wayne Burnett died on Friday, February 24, 2012, at his home in Conicville, Virginia.

Paul was born July 15, 1938 in Memphis, TN to Joseph Neil and Mary Lou (Willett). He attended Treadwell High School. After high school, Paul joined the military and served eight years in the Air Force.

Paul had learned the basics of leathercraft as a Boy Scout, age 12, and had wonderful stories of his postman selling his work door-to-door as he delivered mail and even getting custom orders for wallets. Paul took this talent and being completely self-taught developed many unique and innovative leather products.

Paul was a compulsive reader, a keen observer of nature and a student of the fine arts. He worked with distinction in clay, wood, oils and acrylics. He was a teacher, lecturer and writer, having several books, articles, patterns and study courses in print. He was a regular contributor to "The Leathercrafters Journal". He was a perceptive sculptor of the nude form and wildlife and was known for his design of and application of Art Nouveau.

In 1983, Paul became the first recipient of the prestigious Al Stohlman Award for his "contribution to education, technical innovation and outstanding achievement in the leather field". He was very proud of this honor.

When the urban cowboy craze hit, Paul developed a line of leather belt buckles that sold in western stores and gift shops all over the country. As that lost momentum he pursued his interest in creating bird sculptures, life size and realistic and basing his standards as accepted by the wood carvers of the Ward Foundation World Class competition. He also did two major commissions, a Pheasant entitled "Early Spring Morn" and a Loon with Chick entitled "Alpha Adventure".

That inspiration led to creating his line of realistic looking leather feathers that have been selling now for close to 30 years. They are sold in many galleries and shops, both in our country, Europe and Australia.

Paul was internationally recognized as a master carver and colorist. His work is in private collections both here and abroad. Locally he was a member of The Art Group Gallery in Mt. Jackson.
Paul loved growing flowers, did extensive research on butterflies, and was an avid enthusiast of history and a life-long student of Scripture.

He is survived by his children, Mark Randall of Memphis, TN, Constance Hope of Memphis, TN and Timothy Paul of McMinville, OR. His wife, Karen Sue and daughter, Ashley Paige remain in Conicville.

He has two beloved nieces, Danielle Maria of Calamine, AR and Monica Dawn of Memphis. TN; his brother, Mike (Nancy) of McKinney, Texas; sister-in-law, Barbara Burnett of Missoula, MT; granddaughter, Melanie Denise of Memphis; grandson, Daniel Wayne and Joshua Seth; great-grandchildren, Peyton Elise, Leighann Hope and Elora Sage; nephews, Geoff, Michael and David Burnett, Joseph Nolen; and nieces, Megan and Emily Barnes; and a dear friend who helped get through it all, Jamie Austin.

There will be no services.

Sign the Guest Book at www.nvdaily.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northern Virginia Daily from Feb. 29 to Mar. 1, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Burnett

Not sure what to say?





Joan Bowers

March 6, 2012

Karen and Family
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I did not know Paul, but from the obituary, he must have been quite a man. I know you will miss him. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. God Bless

Susan Pieples

March 5, 2012

All of my life I heard stories of Paul Wayne and Mike Burnett, my mother's (Catherine Willett Jones Laws) dear cousins. Their mother, my Great Aunt Mary Lou was dearly loved by us all. I was an adult when I finally met Paul. He was making ducks then that were so realistic it was amazing. When Paul started making feather earrings mother bought an entire set. She has generously shared these between me and my sister Brenda and we with our daughters. I always think of Paul's gentleness and great craftsmanship when wearing my earrings which I do often. We are all so glad he is free from pain now but will greatly miss him. Don't know if Connie, Timmy or Mark remember me but I remember visiting with them several times. My heart goes out to you all. Love
Susan Jones Pieples

March 3, 2012

Karen,

We were both saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, Paul. Although we don't know you that well, we just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family in these trying times. God Bless and our prayers to you...

Your Art Group friends,

Sandy and Danny Ortts

Tim Burnett

March 2, 2012

My fathers legacy is so profound and I do and will continue to miss him a great deal. He made me the man I am today through his teachings and influence and for that I am eternally thankful. R.I.P. daddy.

Susan Michie-Bent

March 2, 2012

I learned a great deal from Paul about how to mix and use colors in painting and, also, a great deal about detail in painting. Thank you Paul for being such a wonderful teacher.

Barbara Hollar

March 2, 2012

I admired Paul as an artist and enjoyed the time I worked for him painting leather feathers. Karen, if there's ever anything I can do, please call.

March 1, 2012

A couple of years ago I told Paul that he was the man I admired most in this world...this will always be so. Love always, Danielle

Jim & Barbara

March 1, 2012

Dear Karen Paige and Family; it was our pleasure to have known Paul and his wonderful spirit. We have many fond memories of GREAT times together with his bright blue eyes and crystal clear wit. He was truly an inspiration and he is now at peace, with the spirit of God's love.

Constance Isom

March 1, 2012

To the best father in the world, I love you so very much, you are my hero & in my heart forever!!!!!

Otis, Sandy & Cassie Frye

March 1, 2012

Sue and Paige our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you.

March 1, 2012

Paul was a kind, gentle man who was extremely talented and always willing to share his artistic gifts with anyone who asked him. I am so lucky to have some of his leather feathers and jewelry. I will remember him also as a very supportive family man. My condolences to all of his family. Praying for Karen and Ashley at this time.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Loveland

March 1, 2012

"auntie marmie",
you are in our thoughts and prayers so much and we love you dearly. paul was such a precious human being.
may the Lord bless you and ashley paige,
robin & kermit phillips and sarah fath

Joshua Isom

March 1, 2012

You were a great father grandfather and an all around great man. You inspired many people during your accomplished life and will continue to do so.I love you.

Christian Bird

March 1, 2012

Paul is one of the most interesting and inspiring people I have ever met. I will miss his funny stories.

Christian Bird

March 1, 2012

Paul is one of the most interesting and inspiring people I have ever met. I'm going to miss his unintentionally funny stories.

Ebony Hines

March 1, 2012

Mr.Paul I didnt have the privilege of meeting you , but I've heard nothing but wonderful things about you. You raised a wonderful daughter whom I love and loves me..and she credits who she is because of how you raised her. I thank God for the impact to soo many. May you rest in Paradise...:)

Souders Family

March 1, 2012

Karen and AP...our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Love,
Christine, Randy, Jessy and Kenny

Melanie Isom Bird

March 1, 2012

My loving and beloved grandfather, your strong, dignified presence is sadly missed. The world is a different place without you. I am grateful that your works are all around us; your words, your art, the love you shared. Because of this, Elora Sage will grow up knowing you. I love you forever, PaPa.

Pereira Family

March 1, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we are deeply saddened at your loss.
Love,
George, Maria, Kelly and Angela

karen costie

March 1, 2012

Karen and Ashley, I was so sorry to read on line about Paul's passing. The few times that I was around Paul, I appreciated his gentle spirit and obvious enthusiasm for life. You are both in my prayers.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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