Russ Jr. was born on December 9, 1949, in Demopolis, AL, to James Russell Burnette and Martha Frances Speed Burnette. The family was soon joined by younger brother, John Walter (Buddy) Burnette. Russ Jr is now reunited with his parents and younger brother who preceded him in death.
Russ Jr grew up in Demopolis, AL, spending days playing with all the “Speed cousins” and being adored by all the Speed sisters. He graduated from Demopolis High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. He went on to attend The University of Alabama and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Upon graduation, he began a career in the timber business, which spanned 40 years and eventually brought him to live in both Eutaw, AL, and Tuscaloosa, AL.
Russ Jr was an avid, skilled turkey hunter. He spent hours perfecting his craft -calling turkeys. On any given day, you might hear the sounds of gobbling turkeys emerging from his vehicle. He especially liked to turn up the volume when he dropped of his daughters at school or went through a drive through.
Russ Jr met and married the love of his life, Dee Najor Burnette, on March 1, 1974. They welcomed two daughters, Ashley and Stefanie, who Russ Jr referred to as his “gals.” He and Dee built an almost picture-perfect life for his gals, loving them fiercely and giving them complete support. Russ Jr was a little disappointed that somehow his gals became vegetarians. And after 27 years, he still voiced that disappointment.
The best part of Russ Jr’s life began when he and Dee retired to Helena, AL. They welcomed their sons-in-law and eight grandchildren into their lives. He spent his days in the hammock watching Dee plant her garden. He babysat the grandchildren with his usual sass and grumpiness, silencing cries with a simple, “Stop it.” He prepared black beans and rice for his gals. He laundered any and every article of clothing he found. He argued politics with anyone one who dared mention an opposing viewpoint. Every morning, he sent his gals a text stating, “I love you most.” These simple things are what will be missed and remembered the most by those who loved him.
Russ Jr is survived by his wife Dee Najor Burnette; his daughters, Ashley Burnette Hester (Chris), Pensacola, FL; and Stefanie Burnette Peterson (Corey), Helena, AL; and grandchildren, Hal Tubbs, Tripper Burnette-Brown, Saylor Peterson, Emerson Hester, Anderson Hester, Rivers Peterson, Nate Hester, & Avery Hester Driver.
Typical to form, Russ Jr decided years ago that he did not want a funeral or memorial service. So, grab your favorite cocktail or piece of pound cake or big bowl of ice cream and remember your favorite Russ Jr story. That’s what he would want.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Two by Two Rescue, PO Box 708; Helena, AL 35080.
Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve the Burnette family during their time of bereavement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com
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