Richard J. Burnette, 56, of Calhoun, Ga., died on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on August 8, 1953 in Whitfield County, the son of the late Ruben and Lorene Black Burnette. Mr. Burnette retired from the Dalton Fire Department in 1998 after 25 years of service to his community. He spent the last 11 years being a husband, father and grandfather, and was an avid fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Robin Burnette; sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Dylan Burnette and Dr. Gillian Hooker of Rockville Md., Nathan and Beth Crandell, Augusta Ga., Josh and Michaele Crandell, Carrollton, Ga. and Tanner Burnette, Ellijay Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Ashley Crandell and Charlie Harper, Ackworth, Ga.; sisters and brother-in-law, Diane and Dewayne Schlapa, Dalton, Jenny Burnette, Lafayette, sisters-in-law, Cindi Cave, Elizabeth Tn. and Pam Fuller, Calhoun Ga.; two grandchildren, Stephen Crandell and Abigayle Harper; and good friends, Larry Kirkland and Howie Souther, both of Calhoun.
A service to celebrate the life of Richard will be held on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Melrose Chapel of Ponders Funeral Home with Rev. Phil Minter officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday, Nov. 8, from noon until 2 p.m.
Messages may be sent to the Burnette family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Ponders Funeral Homes.