"Burt" Lightner

Burt Lightner was the son of the Rev. Dr. George and Laota Lightner who preceded him in death. He is also preceded by Mildred N. Johnson, mother-in-law and Christopher P. Johnson, brother-in-law. As a “PK” (Preacher’s Kid), his family moved frequently such that Burt attended schools in Edinburg, Berryville, Onancock, Richmond and Suffolk, VA. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Randolph – Macon College in 1959.

He worked for NASA for 36 years, starting in 1959, with contributions toward many early space projects including Trailblazer (1964), Lunar Orbiter (1967) and Viking Mars (1976) projects as well as the ACCESS and LDEF retrieval Shuttle missions. Burt felt fortunate while with NASA to have “worked with so many brilliant and dedicated minds”. He also contributed heavily to his youngest son’s third place standing in the sixth grade science fair for which they built a wind tunnel.

Following retirement from NASA, he worked as a host and then manager at Carmela’s Italian restaurants and as a courtesy clerk at Ukrops grocery store in Williamsburg fulfilling his appreciation of people, food and a more diverse range of experience. He won a local barbecue sauce contest in 1984, which was wonderful on grilled chicken. He thoroughly enjoyed both singing and the stage - from his church choir at age 14 through college glee clubs and into performances with Light Opera of VA, Peninsula Choral Society and Lyric Theater. Burt was an avid reader, although he admitted to reading primarily for “entertainment, not enlightenment”. He was a frequent patron of Starbucks where he meet many interesting people, but was good naturedly annoyed when someone was in his “seat”. He was a patient listener, a steadfast provider, innately ebullient and uniquely caring and accepting of everyone - those he loved as well as total strangers.

Burt was a lifelong Methodist, being active in several churches including Asbury United in Newport News, St. Luke’s United in Yorktown and Vision of Hope in Harrisonburg, VA. He was a volunteer for many community organizations fulfilling a range of roles for the United Way, Meals on Wheels, FISH community services and Avalon Center for Women and Children.

Burt died at home surrounded by family – who were always precious to him. Burt is survived and celebrated by Carol, his patient and loving wife of 32 years. He is also survived, missed and honored by his children, and their partners, respectively: Homer “Herb” McNeely (Virginia Beach); Andrew McNeely and Robbin (Newport News); Evan Lightner and Kate (Raleigh, NC). He was “BaBa” to his grandchildren Desmond and Rowan. Survivors also include, with partners respectively: brother Sam Lightner and Sara (SC); niece Katherine Lightner and Ben and son James (UK); Stepsister Penny Burkhardt and Brad (FL) and son Raymond (FL) and daughter Nancy (TX); Stepmother Ruth Gray Lightner (Harrisonburg) and step siblings Brent Douglass and Carter (Staunton), John Douglass and Cindy (Richmond), Steve Douglass and Tammy (Leesburg), and Carol Jacoby and Jamie (Richmond); sister-in-law Claire Cason and Jimmy (Suffolk) and children Pam (Smithfield), Rhonda (Virginia Beach) and Randy (Norfolk); brother-in-law Allan C. Horsfall and Marlene (MT) and children Justin (AZ) and Jessica (CO).

He lived his life just as those he loved that went before him - with fairness, honesty, thoughtfulness, generosity and compassion.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, at Vision of Hope United Methodist Church, Harrisonburg, VA (www.visionofhopeumc.com). The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, in the Chapel at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vision of Hope United Methodist Church, 1723 Port Republic Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.