Jerald Burnette

Jerry Burnette, 80, of Brenham, Texas, went home to be with the Lord, December 7, 2020.

Visitation with the family will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel on Saturday, December 12, from 9:00 am until the funeral begins at 11:00 am. A private burial service will be held later that day at Atkinson Cemetery in Chappell Hill, Texas. Pastor Billy Sutherland from Calvary Baptist Church is officiating the funeral.

Jerald Wesley Burnette was born on February 22, 1940 in Cordova, Alabama. He grew up in the area with his parents Noah and Florence Nathalie (Mann) Burnette and his many siblings. He graduated from Cordova High School in 1958.

Jerry then pursued a career in the Coast Guard where he was active duty for 12 years and remained in the Reserves for many years following. Stationed in Washington D.C., he was able to be a part of many significant events unfolding in the 1960’s, including his presence at the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961 and his missed opportunity as a pallbearer at JFK’s funeral procession not having his dress whites ready in 2 hours’ notice.

After departing the military, he then relocated to the Houston, Texas area to be near family. He attended San Jacinto Junior College, and later the University of Houston. Jerry had a fruitful career in the oil and gas industry, eventually starting and selling a company in Austin and then starting JWB and Associates.

Jerry and his wife Sue created a wonderful, blended family. They enjoyed spending time together at home and or on their many road trips for work. Later in life, Jerry and Sue retired and moved to the Brenham area to be closer to family. His greatest joy in life was his faith in God, his church activities, spending time with family, and dining out.

Jerry was a dedicated family man and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a very generous man, dear friend to many, and he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed.

Jerry is survived by his wife Sue of 44, years, daughter, Tonya Burnette Currie and (spouse) Curt Currie of Chappell Hill, TX, son, Darrell Burnette in Mississippi, stepsons, Tim and Greg Kuenstler of Trinity, TX as well as 7 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, Also, siblings, Donald Ray Burnette and John Raymond Burnette and many nieces and nephews in Alabama.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Florence Nathalie (Mann) Burnette and his many siblings.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those who desire to contribute can donate to Samaritan’s Purse, or the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Fund, which helps Veterans and their families.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX 77833.