February 21, 1936 – December 14, 2016 December 14, 2016 was the day that Robert Franklin Burnett left his earthly home for his reward in his heavenly home. Our Lord greeted him with “Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter in.” Mullican-Little Funeral Home in Bells is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Robert was born February 21, 1936 to John and Emma Burnett in Bells, Texas. He was the youngest of nine children. He attended Bells schools and took lots of college courses, obtaining a certification in Rehab Facilities Management from North Texas State University. At one time, he was Director of Goodwill Industries and also served as their Chaplain. He was the Director of Sheltered Workshop in Greenville as well as Trainer Tech at Denton State School. Robert wore many hats during his working years, such as MKT Railroad, Allied Egry Business Forms, International Business Forms, Levelland Sun News, and Bookstore Manager at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. But Robert’s main job was his calling to serve the Lord. He was ordained to the ministry at Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church in Denison. He served as Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Bells, Sanger Baptist, Emmanuel Baptist Church in Greenville, Levelland Baptist and Shiloh Baptist. He preached the Word when he could, even after retirement.
Robert and Helen Jernigan were married June 3, 1955. They were blessed with three children and their families: Dr. Beverly Nuckols and Larry, Sherie Tarpley, and Robert Sean Burnett; seven grandchildren, Kristi Bluhm and Steven, Stephen Patrick Tarpley and Anna, John Burnett and Alex, Greg Burnett, Eric Burnett and Nury, Summer Nuckols, Lee Edwin Nuckols and Sarah; great grandchildren, Conner, Preston, Ella, Carter, Veronica, Evangelina, Moses, Silas and Ace.
After Helens death, Robert renewed a life long friendship with Barbara Woodson Anderson. They were married on March 10, 2007 at First Baptist Church Bells. Both he and Barbara were baptized at an early age at that same church. Together they served the Lord there after they were married until his health declined.
Robert got a large extended family when he married Barbara. Her children; Gina Sue Anderson and George, Rhonda Pedigo Heins and Marvin, Gary Pedigo and Brenda; Barbara’s grandchildren, Josie Anderson and Rod, Kim Duncan and Wes, Cheyenne Dorris and Ashley, Laramie Dorris and Brooke, Trey Pedigo and Kayla, Whitney Vaughn and Casey, Trisha Corbin, Jake Anderson and Chance Corbin; her great grandchildren, Shelley, Abbie, Bailee, Peyton, Ellie Sue, Barrett, Cooper, Garrett, Ava Lynn, Kole, Ryder, Ashreal, Jackson, Alec, Soraya, and Violette.
Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara Sue, and their families. He will really be missed. The kids say “he gives the best hugs”. We all have a place in our hearts for Robert. We can’t forget his cat “Partner”, which was his constant companion. He was predeceased by his first wife, Helen, his parents; sisters, Ellen, Julie, Oletha, Winnie; brothers, Norman, Stanley, J.W. and Odell.
We would like to thank Dr. Tammy Roque and his team from Grayson Home Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grayson Home Hospice or First Baptist Church Bells Feed the Children Program would be appreciated.
Funeral Services for Robert are set for 2:00 P.M., Saturday, December 17, 2016 at First Baptist Church Bells, with Dr. Billy Neal Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Burns Cemetery, Trenton, Texas. Grandchildren will serve as Pallbearers. The family will welcome friends from 1-2 P.M. at the church.
