Richard Edwin Burnett

It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our dad, Richard “Dickie” Edwin Burnett, who passed away on Tuesday, January 14th at the age of 83 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his wife and 4 surviving children. After battling dementia for over ten years, he’s free of this terrible disease. 

Dad was born on May 5, 1941 to Elisha and Mary Burnett in Bedford County, VA. He was also known as “Dickie” by his family and friends. He was a true Son of the South, born and raised on a farm where he learned to farm himself, always working to support his family. Dad knew everyone in Bedford County where he graduated from Bedford High School. He loved being with his friends and neighbors and could talk with them all night. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol, with whom he was always dedicated to. Together they had five children who adored him. 

After getting married, he worked for his father-in-law as manager of food service for the Peaks of Otter Company. He then became employed at Owens-Illinois, now known as Georgia Pacific paper mill. He was hired in maintenance but put himself through New River Community College to become certified in Electrical Instrumentation. He could fix anything he put his hands on and would never let anything be replaced! 

Dad was a lover of history and genealogy. He had a passion for sharing with others about his family roots and even theirs! He truly treasured his family ties to the Civil War and displayed this as a member of the SCV. He also loved his time volunteering with the Big Otter Mill. Old mills fascinated him and he was proud to be a part of its revitalization. 

Dad also had a profound love for Bassett hounds and bluegrass music! His most recent beloved pup was Louie who he still talked about in his last days, while being covered by his “Louie” blanket. His love for bluegrass music ran deep … so much that he’d often travel to bluegrass festivals every summer to hear them play. There wasn’t a car ride without bluegrass thumping. If he wasn’t listening to bluegrass he was watching “Gunsmoke.” 

Dad loved his church family at Otterville Church. He loved the Lord and wasn’t afraid to let you know where his faith resided, while often finishing your sentence with a hearty “Amen”. 

Dad was a wonderful husband, father, papa, brother, son, uncle and friend to all. He is pre-deceased by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and his oldest son, Troy. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol: children Tara (Rob), Forrest (Eva), Olivia “Libby” (Jason), Sarah (Adam) and daughter-in-law, Kristie: Five grandchildren Paige, Tristen, Ethan, Emma, and Anna; Brother, Donald Calvin Burnett (Barb). Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who loved him so!

He will be missed by so so many but we have joy in knowing he’s with his Savior!

A special thanks to Centra Hospice, especially Nurses Mary and Sam. We couldn’t have kept him at home where he wanted to be without you both. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dad’s memory to Otterville Church or SCV Bedford Chapter. 

A funeral service will be conducted at 12 noon on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Chapel, Bedford with the Rev. Mark Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family. To send online condolences please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.