Mr. Norman Edwin Burnette

Mr. Norman Edwin Burnette was born on Wednesday, January 25, 1940, to the late Ervin Alton and Grace Nannie Burnette in Chatham County, North Carolina.  On Monday, December 20, 2021, “Skip” as he was known, affectionately expressed regards for his earthly journey and peacefully transitioned at Hock Family Pavilion with his appointed caregiver at his bedside.

“Skip” received his education in the Chapel Hill School System and was a proud graduate of Lincoln High School Class of ’58. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the US Army, he took advantage of the GI Bill and earned a Business Administration degree from Durham Technical Institution. Skip was a hardworking and wise gentleman whose employment history expanded more than thirty-eight (38) years resulting in retirement investments from Weyerhaeuser and MBK.

“Skip,” was a humanitarian who gave his time and money to any child who was interested in learning to play tennis. He provided, rackets, balls and instructions free of charge and did not focus on any particular group or neighborhood. He was also a genealogy enthusiast who was inspired by Alex Haley’s “Roots” series.  He described it as “love” not work as he researched through decades of Census records discovering separated families and kinships beyond continents and slave trades.  He guided many individuals into the journey of their own family’s past upon connecting with his own, Burnette family as far back as the late 1700s.  “Skip” leaves a legacy that will live on for many generations.  His knowledge was expansive and he enjoyed intellectual conversations. His presence in the Walltown Community will be missed by all whom encountered his enthusiasm and observation of the world around him (he called it “people watching”). As he often said… “you got that right!”

The memory of Norman Edwin “Skip” Burnette will be cherished by his sister, Henrietta T. Massey; three nieces: Beverlyn V. Massey*, Loretta Massey, and Cecelia Massey-Fike; First Cousins: Amy Lyon** (Eugene), Emma Nickerson, Leah Wright Burnette**, Debra Burnette Melvin, Theresa Burnette Green; one aunt: Yvonne McDougal Burnette and a host of other cousins, relatives and family friends.

* Skip appointed and **Skip approved

This is a very difficult time for our family and friends, but out of respect for the health and safety of you, ourselves and the public, we, the family, appreciate your desire to be with us at this time and request that you consider viewing the service via the live stream and express your condolences and tributes on the website  if at all possible.  However, for those who must attend in person, please adhere to the following guidelines:

     1)  wear an approved face mask
     2)  sanitize your hands upon entry
     3)  practice social distancing at all times including seating
     4)  greet others with an elbow bump, nod of acknowledgement and even a "wink"
     5)  If you or anyone in your circle of family and contacts have experienced COVID symptoms (now or within the past two weeks)
           please respect and govern yourself accordingly.

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