Charles Harden Burnette

Charles Harden Burnette, 80, of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on January 21, 2026. Born on January 4, 1946, in Danville, Virginia, Charles lived his entire life rooted in the community he loved and served. Charles was the son of the late Jesse Lee Burnette and Sallie Gauldin Burnette Carter. He was a proud graduate of Brosville High School, Class of 1964—the final graduating class of the school. During his high school years, Charles excelled in sports, a reflection of the discipline and teamwork he carried throughout his life. Following high school, Charles honorably served his country in the United States Army, answering the call to duty with quiet dedication and integrity. Charles devoted 38 years of his working life to DuPont, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dependability, often working swing shift. After retiring from DuPont, he continued serving his community by driving a school bus for Stony Mill Elementary School for 20 years. He was loved by the children he transported, and he loved them just as deeply, forming bonds that went far beyond his role as a bus driver. A dedicated family man, Charles poured his heart into raising his family. He coached baseball, football, and basketball for his sons’ teams while they were growing up and never missed a game, even while working demanding swing shifts at DuPont. He also served his community at Brosville Volunteer Fire Department. He was a founding member of the Brosville Booster Club, where he proudly served as president, always supporting local youth and athletics. He loved his three boys dearly, and his pride in them was evident to everyone who knew him. The Burnette family was raised on the importance of big family gatherings, a tradition that meant a great deal to Charles and one he faithfully carried on. He hosted and cherished yearly Easter celebrations and Fourth of July gatherings complete with fireworks, creating memories that brought generations together and strengthened family bonds. A man of strong faith and service, Charles was a devoted and long-standing member of Brosville United Methodist Church (BUMC). He faithfully served the church in many roles over the years and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. His commitment to his church family was a central part of his life. Charles was a familiar and well-loved presence at the Do Drop In, where he was a daily visitor for 25 years, stopping in twice a day to socialize with fellow retirees. These friendships and routines were an important part of his life and brought him great joy. Charles took great pride in caring for his house and land, working tirelessly to keep everything in order. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, loyally supporting his team year after year. Charles loved to travel and spend vacations with special friends and family throughout the years, valuing the time spent together as much as the destinations themselves. Above all else, Charles was known as an honest man—steady, hardworking, and true to his word. Charles shared 48 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jeanne Tuck Burnette. Her family was also very special to Charles (known to many as Charlie), and he deeply valued the love, laughter, and closeness he shared with them throughout his life. He is survived by his three sons: Bradley Scott Burnette (fiancée Donna Eanes), Jeffrey Todd Burnette (wife Juliet Burnette), and Jason Cole Burnette (wife Sascha Burnette). He was a proud grandfather to Hunter Burnette (Josie Dew), Austin Burnette (wife Laura Burnette), Drew Burnette, and Gavin Burnette, and a cherished great-grandfather to Brantley Burnette (BB), Lilly Burnette, and Sadie Burnette. Charles is also survived by his beloved sister, Brenda Burnett (husband Danny Burnett). He was preceded in death by his siblings Nancy Dean, Ronnie Burnette, Patsy Scearce, and Sylvia Shoe. He leaves behind many special nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 29, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Home Westover Chapel. The funeral service will take place Friday, January 30, at 1:00 p.m. at Brosville United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at the Burnette Family Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive visitors at the Burnette home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Brosville United Methodist Church. The Burnette family would like to thank all of the friends, family, and community for the love and support shown for Charles during this time and throughout the years. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Burnette family.

Charles Harden Burnette

January 4, 1946 - January 21, 2026