Robert Felton Burnette, born August 6, 1943, to Felton and Louise Burnette in Atlanta, Georgia, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 years old on April 2, 2025. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard, and his eldest daughter, Michelle Droege.
A devoted husband, Robert shared nearly 45 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Denise Louise Cicero Burnette. He is survived by his wife, Denise, his sons, Robert Burnette, Jr., Denver, CO; Stephen (Bernadette) Burnette, Virginia Beach, VA.; his daughters, Allison (Kody) Gann, Roswell, GA.; and Katherine Burnette, Athens, GA. He was a loving grandfather to Abigail, Elizabeth, Mary Katherine, and Emma Grace Droege (Ryan Droege), as well as Ambrose Stellar Burnette (Stephen Burnette). He was anticipating the arrival of another grandchild from the Gann family in September. He was an uncle to Lisa Ferris and Lee (Raquel) Burnette, and a great uncle to William and Ryan Burnette, and Tony, Drew and Aiden Ferris.
Robert attended Georgia Tech for a year, then served his country honorably as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves MACS-15 Unit, receiving a Marksmanship Rifle Award and working in the Radar Division. After serving in the Marines, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Business from Oglethorpe University, where he founded the Chi Phi Fraternity. After graduation, he worked in advertising for BBDO in New York, which was the start of a distinguished career in advertising, real estate, and residential development. Robert went on to have many successful ventures in real estate and development, including founding Sandy Springs Realtors.
Deeply committed to service beyond his profession, he served on the Board of Directors for the Fulton County Seniors Center for ten years, helping establish the Dorothy Benson Center, and recently served on the Board of Directors for Rick Bonfim Ministries. Through this ministry, he contributed to mission work in the United States, Cuba, Brazil, and Guatemala.
At the age of 65, during a mission trip to Brazil in 2009, Robert experienced salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ. As he continued to pursue the Lord, Robert studied the Bible, grew tremendously in his faith, and became a spirit-filled, anointed man of God. He knew no stranger, and with his gift of storytelling, he shared the Gospel and prayed with thousands. Becoming a devoted follower of Jesus, he became actively involved with the Wednesday Morning Warriors Group, Full Gospel Business Men, and God-Mobile Ministry.
In his personal time, Robert enjoyed hosting family gatherings, going on vacations, supporting his family in their various endeavors, and working on home improvement projects. He was a skilled problem-solver and particularly enjoyed exploring local restaurants with Denise.
Robert was also a gifted writer. He wrote many impactful prayers for his friends and loved ones, and authored a book titled "200+ Benefits and Promises of Salvation" that his son, Stephen, published for him. Robert was a devoted husband, a faithful father, a joyful grandfather, a loyal friend, and a natural evangelist.
A memorial service will be held at Mount Bethel Church on April 9th, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a reception immediately to follow. There is a private committal service at Arlington Memorial Park afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to support his wife, Denise, by giving to the following Venmo account: @KatherineBurnette
