William Ronald Burnett

William Ronald Burnett passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Ron, or "Captain," as he was affectionately called by many, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 9, 1941, to Ira Henry and Elizabeth Louise Burnett. Raised in Mobile, Alabama, he became a die-hard University of Alabama football fan. He graduated from Livingston State College (now University of West Alabama) where he was a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kenneth, and his wife Kathleen.

Ron's career with Crawford & Company brought him to Atlanta, Georgia, and then later to New Orleans where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Burnett (née Mercante). Together, they raised two loving daughters, Aimee Porteous (Tommy) and Elizabeth Burnett. He spent his life devoted to his family, his Catholic faith, and volunteer work in the community. He remained dedicated to his alma mater as president of the alumni association and as an active fraternity alumni member, frequently attending campus events. He enjoyed being an amateur photographer, especially taking pictures on Mardi Gras day in the French Quarter and on his long-anticipated retirement trip to Ireland. His volunteer efforts in the New Orleans' community and board member work will also not be forgotten. Despite the difficulties he faced over the past 14 years in losing his wife and suffering a debilitating stroke, he focused on the joys in his life-- his daughters and granddaughters, Emma and Lucille Porteous. Of all his life accomplishments, he was most proud of his girls.

Ron is loved and missed by many, and his family would like to extend a warm thank you to the staff at Inspired Living, his amazing caregiver Amber Avila, and Anvoi Hospice, who ensured his dignity until the very end. Those who knew Ron will remember him in crimson red and a houndstooth hat, and his spirit will live forever in the words of the great Bear Bryant: “If you want to walk the heavenly streets of gold, you gotta know the password, 'Roll, Tide, Roll!'”

We love you and will miss you, Dad, until we meet again.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA, on Friday, March 20, 2026. Visitation is from 10:30 A.M. until noon, with a Memorial Mass beginning at noon. Interment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum in Metairie Cemetery.