Billy C. Burnette

Billy Carroll Burnette, 80, of Bedford passed away on Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. He was born on Oct. 22, 1932 in Covington, to the late Warren L. Burnette and Ethel Franklin Burnette. He moved to Bedford early in his childhood and graduated from Moneta High School. Bill entered into military service to his country in 1951 and had a distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Navy that included serving on the USS Columbus and the battleship USS Iowa. He was a 50-year member of the Bedford Moose Lodge, the Bedford Elks Lodge and enjoyed golf and bowling during his many of years in retirement. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loved by all. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellen Smith Burnette; daughter Penny Burnette Jeffers and her husband, Christy A. Jeffers, Jr.; a son Kevin Lee Burnette and his wife, Jodi Burnette; four grandchildren, Jeffrey A. Cox, Chelsea L. Burnette, Zachery B. Burnette, and A. Tyler Shipp; three great-grandchildren; and sister Diane B. Crosier and her friend George F. Winners. Services were held at 11am on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. Wayne Murphy officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the D-Day Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523 or to the Bedford Christian Church, 1928 Moneta Road, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.