Charles Lindy Burnette
Charles Lindy Burnette, age 98, of 1664 Snakepath Road, Blairs, Virginia went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 10, 2026. Born on June 15, 1927 in Spring Garden, VA, he was the son of the late Charlie Rossa and Bessie Woodson Burnette. He married Nancye Murphy Burnette on January 14, 1950, who passed away on April 5, 2018. He graduated from Spring Garden High School in 1946 where he served as president of the PTA and the Ruritan Club.
In September 1946, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the South Pacific, at Osaka, Japan. He was with the Occupation Troops, 25th Infantry Division. He received an honorable discharge on May 31, 1947, and returned home to Pittsylvania County. On December 17, 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. While serving there, he was a member of the Engineering Division and was awarded Airman of the Month twice. He was honorably discharged on December 17, 1955, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
He returned to Pittsylvania County and worked for the Virginia Department of Transportation for 41 years. He worked for years as a survey party construction inspector. He retired in 1989 as the Superintendent of the Area Headquarters, Kentuck Division.
He was a man of deep faith, serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day in everything that he did. For years he was a member of Spring Garden Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder, Sunday School Superintendent and sung in the choir. He loved to sing and was a member of the Spring Garden Church Quartet. He was an active member of Oakland Community Church, where he was the oldest member. He had sung in the Oakland Church Quartet and the group, Believers Trio at Oakland.
In September 1971, he joined Carter Masonic Lodge #323 and served as worshipful master, chaplain, secretary, and master mason. He was honored by them numerous times for his dedicated service and for being their “Chief Cook”. He was also honored by them for being a 50 year member.
He was a 50 year member of the American Legion. He was a very proud Veteran of the Armed Forces and loved to tell his friends stories of his service. On June 6, 2024, Charles was honored and recognized at the 2024 D-Day 80th Anniversary celebration in Bedford, VA. he was one of twenty-two World War II veterans in attendance. On November 11, 2025, he was chosen to be the Grand Marshall of the Chatham Veterans Parade. These honors were highlights for him, to honor his service.
He was the last member of his family generation. Other than his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers; Gordan, Waldo, Jerry, Wallace, Thomas and Lewis Burnette. Also, four sisters; Elizabeth B. Parson, Nancy B. Wyatt, Nellie G. Burnette and Patsy R. Shumate. He was also predeceased by his daughter; Susan Burnette Brooks.
Those left to cherish his memory is his grandson; Justin Dean Brooks (Jennifer); one great grandchildren Sasha, Gabriel, Natallia, Mishca, and Elizaveta; son in law; Dean Brooks; two step grandchildren; Sonya B. Staley (Israel) and Stacy B. Arnn (Bo), step great grandson; Clay Arnn; and sister in law; Peggy F. Burnette, as well as a host of nieces, nephew, and special friends.
Charles was a firm believer in supporting the Veterans of the United States Military, especially those who were wounded, living with disabilities or deceased due to their service. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations in his memory be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundations, 2361 Hyland Boulevard, Staten Island, New York, 10306.
A Funeral Service will be conducted on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:00pm at Oakland Community Church, 180 Snakepath Road, Blairs, VA with Pastor Cabell Cobb officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park with military honors by VFW Post 1097 and Masonic Rites by Carter Lodge #323 A.F.&A.M. A visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 6-8:00pm also at Oakland Community Church, Blairs, VA. At other times the family will receive friends and family at the residence of his grandson, Justin Brooks, at 820 Mountain Lane, Keeling, VA 24566.
Norris Funeral Services, Inc. & Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, Danville, VA is respectfully serving the Burnette Family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
