He was born on July 25, 1927 in Roger Springs, TN. As a child, his family moved from their farm in Roger Springs to Memphis, TN. Joe often told childhood stories of growing up on the family farm to roaming around the streets of Memphis. He was a beloved husband to Dorothy Burnette for 67 years, until her death in 2015. Together, they raised and devoted their lives to three sons - John, David, & Bo. He was a World War II Navy veteran and a salesman for many years at Memphis Screen & Door.
In his spare time, Joe framed pictures for family & friends, created artwork with his wife, and built swings & gliders with his son, Bo. Joe’s love and kindness often came through as a deacon at Berclair Baptist Church for over 60 years.
Later in life, Joe devoted his life to his next generation of loved ones, his grandchildren. He often took them fishing, taught them how to garden, and attended their extracurricular activities.
Joe leaves behind two sons, John (Mary) Burnette of Bartlett, TN and Bo (Becky) Burnette of Drummonds, TN; a daughter in law, Lauren Galimore of Enterprise, AL, seven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Burnette, son David Burnette, parents John Ross & Ruby Burnette, and siblings Gertrude Thompson and Alfred Burnette.
Visitation will be Monday, February 20, 2023 from 12PM to until funeral services begin at 2PM all at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
Memorials may be made in his memory to Berclair Baptist Church, 4584 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Burnette family.
