Bill G. Burnett

Mr. Bill G. Burnett, 80, relinquished his hard fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, December 15, to join his Heavenly Father. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Peggy W. Burnett; his beloved children, Becky Burnett Ivey (Philip), Barry G. Burnett; his legacy of five grandchildren that were his pride and joy, Ashley Rebecca Ivey, Ana Elizabeth Ivey, Philip Burnett (Ben) Ivey, Barry Alexander (Alex) Burnett and Brody Michael Burnett; sister, Stella Blenner (Bert); brother-in-law, Jewel Walker and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey E. Burnett and Letha Painter Burnett and sister, Helen Walker.

Bill was born on February 10, 1935 in Attalla, Alabama. He graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1953 where he excelled in football, baseball and was best known as the “basketball star.”

He was employed with Hayes Aircraft in Birmingham after graduation and before joining the U.S. Air Force. Bill served as Staff Sargent during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, NM. After his service, he married Peggy Wood on December 17, 1960. He held various positions at Republic Steel such as superintendent of the Coal Strip, and retired from Gulf States Steel as Vice-President of Quality Assurance after 41 years. Bill’s work ethic inspired many and he was highly respected for leadership and integrity. His most effective management technique at work and home was his pointing finger accompanied by the famous “Burnett Look” followed by immediate fair understanding.

Bill was larger than life; a brilliant man of mechanical knowledge, practical wisdom, generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness beyond measure. He always made time for others by lending a helping hand, giving loving advice and endless practical jokes and stories. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him, never met a stranger and left each encounter with his extremely firm handshake, loving embrace and silly, mischievous grin.

Bill was a man of great faith and a member of First United Methodist Church and the Martin Fellowship Class. He and Peggy cherished their time together as avid golfers, visiting with treasured friends, attending his grandchildren’s activities and being surrounded with his family at the beach and river. He served on the Board of Directors for the Gadsden Country Club and two terms with the Alabama Sixty Plus Golf Association. He enjoyed his Wednesday Morning Breakfast Club with Stan Walker, Stanley Taylor, Charlie Moore, Ted Jones, Frank Dressman and Thomas Hughes.

Visitation will be December 19th at First United Methodist Church, 115 S 5th Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35901 from noon to 2p.m. and the funeral immediately following. Pallbearers are Lester Bridges, Johnny Duncan, Larry Grimes, Larry Harris, Thomas Hughes, Ted Jones, E.L. Longshore and Stanley Taylor. To respect his wishes, the family requests donations made to First Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.

Bill, or Daddy Bill, will be greatly missed, yet knowing he has daily walks on Heaven’s perfect turf eases our grief.