Buster Burnette, 65, of Franklin, went to his Heavenly home surrounded by his family on Monday, August 8, 2011.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Harley and Minnie Welch Burnett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Don, Holbert and Dover Burnette and a sister, Shelby Jean Roper. Buster was a US Army veteran. He retired from NCDOT Maintenance department following previous careers as a route salesman and owner of North End Chevron. He enjoyed yard work and working in his flower garden. Buster was an active member of Cowee Baptist Church, serving on the kitchen committee, as an usher and he especially enjoyed working with the children's ministry.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Helen Burnette; two children, Brian "Bubba" Burnette, wife Kim and very special grandson, Wyatt Burnette of Franklin and Christy Hart and husband Randy of Otto; two sisters, Christine Woodard of Pumpkintown Community and Edna Carnes of Covington, GA; a brother, Joe Burnette of Franklin; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 11, at Cowee Baptist Church. Reverends David Powell, Jason Smith, Stacy Woods and Ronnie Branson will officiate. Burial will be in the Cowee Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Bennie Reynolds, Carol Tallent, Furman Shook, Gary Thompson, Eddie Lee and Harold Clark.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Gardner Holden Adult Men's Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Cowee Baptist Church Nursery and Preschool Fund.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.