Psalms 37:25 I have been young, and now I am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread.
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William (also known as Lil Willie, Willie, and Bill) passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, March 17, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on February 5, 1923 to Elenora Lee and William Thomas Burnette Sr. He graduated from I.C. Norcom High School, and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Industrial Education and Military Justice from Virginia State University. While at Virginia State, he was on the Varsity Wrestling team, pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and enrolled in Reserve Officers Training Corps. After graduation and commissioning, he was assigned to Fort Lee, VA, and met the love of his life Juanita Phyllis Ann Harrison. They joined in marriage in April 1953, and in January 1957 they enjoyed the birth their only child Victor Wayne Burnette. William remained a faithful and committed husband for 63 years.
William faithfully served his country as an Army Infantryman during World War II in the Pacific, and later entered service as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1952 as a Quartermaster Officer. His military service includes World War II, Korean War and the Vietnam War. An Airborne Trooper and Jump Master, he served and deployed with Airborne units while assigned in Germany and the United States. Upon his retirement from the Army in 1970, he settled his family in Willingboro, NJ where he taught small engine and auto mechanics for 17 years at John F. Kennedy High School.
He loved the Lord and gave his life to Christ as a young man. He served faithfully at Parkway Baptist Church as a Trustee in Willingboro, NJ and taught Sunday School at Southside Baptist Church in Lumberton NJ. After moving to Northern Virginia to be closer to family, he joined The Life under the leadership of Bishop Eugene Reeves in Woodbridge, VA.
William loved to travel and drive back and forth to Portsmouth visiting family and longtime childhood and military friends (…something he called pop up calls). His family adored him and he said that he loved them more. He was an exceptional husband, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. His grandchildren called him Pop-Pop. As a father, he taught his son to work hard, to be a warm and a gentle spirited man, and to be responsible and accountable to his family. He spoiled his nieces, nephews, and his granddaughters and always had a few $2.00 bills on hand to give out. He enjoyed reading the Bible and Zane Gray Western novels. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family, friends and meeting new people but was especially happy at big family dinners during the holidays.
He is survived by his loving wife Juanita (Kitty) Burnette, his son LTC (Retired) Victor W. Burnette, daughter-in-law Jackie, and grandchildren Alexis, Brooke and Victoria, and great-granddaughter Naiomi; sister Mildred Harrington, sister-in-laws Shirley Jones (George), Arlene Gales, and Beatrice Harrison; and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends that considered him family.
Recent Stories
ARTfactory and Birmingham Green made headlines in Manassas this week. ARTfactory’s Rooftop Productions, now Actors Theatre, won seven awards at the 2024 DC Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical for Kinky Boots and Best Choreography for The Rocky Horror Show. ARTfactory’s Pied Piper Theatre also earned recognition, winning Best Theatre for Young Audiences for its production of The Wizard of Oz.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Green, ranked as Northern Virginia’s top nursing home by Newsweek Magazine, announced Duane Smith as its new Nursing Home Administrator, effective December 30, 2024. Smith brings extensive experience from senior living leadership roles across multiple states and holds several professional qualifications. Birmingham Green continues its 90-year mission of providing quality long-term care to Northern Virginians in need.
Looking for a new best friend? Meet Echo, a 3-4-month-old pup full of love, energy, and curiosity. This little guy, possibly a Boxer mix, is still finding his voice, but…
Should Virginia ditch the longstanding practice of electing the General Assembly and the governor in odd year elections?
The first odd year election in Virginia was in 1851, after a new state Constitution was approved and members of the House were elected to a two-year term. Before that, members of the House had one-year terms, and voters selected members every single year.
Now, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell says modern day voters are sick and tired of voting every year.
A Manassas man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for providing drugs and alcohol to a child in exchange for sex acts and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting the same victim as well as other children.
According to court documents, Olajide Benjamin Ayilaran, 24, met a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2023 and began communicating with the victim via iMessage. In the messages, Ayilaran offered to provide the victim drugs, alcohol, and nicotine products in exchange for sex acts. Between at least Nov. 21, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, Ayilaran met the victim nine times, usually in the morning before the victim went to school, to exchange the products for sexual acts. Ayilaran would wait for the victim in his car in a nearby park. When the victim arrived, he gave her the drugs and alcohol and then had the victim perform sex acts on him in the car.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
