Charlie Mr. Charlie Watson Burnette

“Mr. Charlie”

Mr. Burnette, 86, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, October 1, 2010 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

“Mr. Charlie” was born April 8, 1924 in Mecklenburg County to the late Martin L. Burnette, Sr. and Loma Helms Burnette. He graduated from Bain High School in 1942. At the beginning of World War II, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a tail-gunner on a B-24 bomber in the South Pacific. He was proud of his military career and served with the 23rd Squadron-5th Group of the 13th Air Force. He has been a contributor to the World War II and newly completed Air Force Memorials in Washington, DC. After his military service, Mr. Burnette returned to Mint Hill and was awarded his second diploma from Bain H.S. for completing the then newly added Grade 12.

Mr. Burnette worked for Ervin Construction Company and later was self-employed as a Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractor. He worked with his brothers, Don, John and Joe in the business for many years. After retiring from his own company, he went to work for the Mecklenburg County Building Standards as an inspector where he worked until his second retirement.

Mr. Charlie was a dedicated member of Eastway Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, usher, deacon and top ticket seller for the Annual Bar-B-Que for the West Virginia Mission Project. He participated in every mission trip as a carpenter, roofer and handyman, until his health would not allow his participation. He loved golfing with his brothers, playing church league softball, horseshoes, working in his yard and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Burnette was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Laura Henley Burnette. He was also preceded in death by brothers and sister; Harvey, Mary Louise, Selma, Hoyle, Don, Ben, George, Joe and Martin, Jr. (Bud).

He is survived by his daughters, Beverly Dianne Burnette of Concord, NC and Vicki Charlene Wertz, her husband, Randy, and grandsons Corey Wertz and Tyler (TJ) Wertz, all of Charlotte, and grandson, Michael Wertz and wife, Erika, of Concord, NC. Mr. Burnette is also survived by his brother, John Burnette of Charlotte; and three sisters, Martha Marrone of Matthews, NC, Lilla (Tillie) Jamison of Mint Hill, NC and Della Bynum (Gene) of Mt. Holly, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. His funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 4, at Eastway Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Isenhour and the Rev. Michael Owens officiating. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Presbyterian Hospital Hospice & Palliative Care, PO Box 33549, Charlotte, NC 28233, Alzheimer's Association-Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215, or Eastway Baptist Church/Senior Adult Ministry, 2749 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Presbyterian Hospital and Hospice for the care given to Mr. Burnette, as well as the support given to the family during this difficult time.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, Charlotte, NC.