Rev. Eddie Lee Burnett Sr.

Pastor Eddie L. Burnett was born on July 4, 1939, in Gibson County, Tennessee to the late X. L. and Brooksie Burnett. With his eyes toward Heaven, Rev. Eddie L. Burnett made his triumphant transition to Glory on August 21, 2019. Assuredly, the angels rejoiced upon his arrival! The sunshine, the rainbow, the one, who added color to our pale skies, would say as the Apostle Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)”. “His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God gave him strength to endure. Rev. Burnett began his life of Christian discipleship at Williams Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Humboldt, Tennessee. It was here he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, which began his ministry that would span over seventy years. Rev. Eddie Burnett was educated in the public schools of Alamo, Tennessee and Gibson County Tennessee. However, during his senior year, he was forced to abandon his course of study to work on their family farm. His yearning to obtain his high school diploma motivated him to complete his GED in 1984. Rev. Burnett was ordained as deacon on June 26, 1977. He acknowledged his call into the ministry in 1978 and was ordained at the Williams Chapel Baptist Church on July 1, 1979. He received his Certificate of Christian Training on May 11, 1981. Eddie was a recipient of awards in Christian education and other biblical studies. He was a graduate of the American Baptist Theological Extension unit in Jackson, TN, where he earned the Diploma of Theology on May 14, 1984. He served as interim pastor of St. James Baptist Church for three years, pastor of New Reedy Creek Baptist Church in McLemoresville, TN for 10 years, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Humboldt, TN for 15 years, and a devoted pastor of St. John #3 Missionary Baptist Church in Tiptonville, TN for 26 years until he retired August 18, 2019. Rev. Burnett was united in holy matrimony in 1959 to his sweetheart, Rillae M. Burnett. To this union five children were born and Eddie helped raise his children with patience, discipline, and humility. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the gospel. Rev. Eddie Burnett had a strong work ethic throughout his life. He was an entrepreneur, who initially, started by selling men’s clothing out of the trunk of his car which flourished into a retail clothing store in Humboldt. The clothing store was vandalized, at least twice, which caused him to convert his business, eventually, into a pool hall providing recreation for the youth. He worked in manufacturing at various companies, including the Milan Army Ammunition Plant, and Eaton Axle until he retired. Post retirement he was a licensed insurance agent who was recognized for his outstanding salesmanship. Early in life his mother-in -law, Mrs. Lizzie Gill, gave him the nickname “Pine Top”. We were not sure why but we knew she loved him. The pine tree symbolized peace hope and love which were qualities Eddie lived up to. Rev. Burnett was active in the community and worked with various religious and civic groups for the betterment of his community. He served on the Board of Directors for the Civil Rights Museum in Humboldt, and an active member of the Celestial Lodge #80. Rev. Burnett was vice-president of the NAACP in Lake County. Pastor Burnett was a devoted Congress president and Moderator of the Mississippi Valley Association, member of the Ministerial Alliance, enthusiastic supporter of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Rev. Burnett was Vice-president of the Western Region of the Tennessee National Baptist Convention and was a certified instructor, credentialed by the Sunday School Publishing Board. Rev. Burnett loved teaching and preaching God’s word. He spent hours daily, studying, praying, and preparing sermons. In Latin, the word pastor means shepherd. He was a shepherd who guided and nurtured souls for Christ. He loved and lead his flock in the path of righteousness, counseled and married many, performed countless dedicatory ceremonies, comforted and shared hope with those who mourned, and rejoiced with those who rejoiced. He baptized new converts, as he taught and made disciples. All of these acts of service and others allowed him to make an impact on generations to come. Rev. Burnett was known as a child of the King, a prayer warrior, a passionate pastor, teacher, and a faithful servant. He simply loved Jesus! Since this relationship was a lifetime commitment, he lived by the principles of Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rev. Burnett possessed a contagious smile, in spite of his circumstances, never complained, always kind, soft-spoken, and slow to anger. He always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. Pastor Burnett loved all people but was especially drawn to help those considered marginalized. He was a mentor to ministers, pastors, women, men who wanted to know more about Christ, youth and young adults. Eddie was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and eating wild game. Rev. Burnett placed value on family and he organized the Tucker, Burnett, Hart Family Reunion which is still thriving today, after 33 years. He was known by the family for his famous egg pie, and for being an excellent checker player. Another leaf has fallen, another soul has gone but still we have God’s promises to help us carry on. He will be dearly missed by loved ones who celebrate that he is at peace with his Creator. Rev. Burnet was preceded in death by his parents, X. L. and Brooksie Burnett: his brothers, L. T., Paul, Mark, and Jimmy Burnett. He is survived by his brother, Freddie R. Burnett (Denver, Colorado); his loving children, John Burnett (Paducah, KY), Barbara Burnett (Nashville, TN), Carolyn (Samuel) Hulsey, (Jackson, TN), Eddie (Stephanie) Burnett Jr., (Maryland) and Brooksie Robinson (Dallas, Texas); by his grandchildren, Keisha (Dwayne) Spencer, Devonna Burnett, Tameka Clark, Gina (Herbert) Hayes, Jarrell (Raven), Robinson, D’Jontia, Taylor, and Madison Burnett. He will be fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, extended family, and friends. 23rd Psalms The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Rev. Eddie Lee Burnett Sr.

July 4, 1939 - August 21, 2019