Obituary of Arnold Burnette

Arnold (Smokey) Burnette, 81, of the Brush Creek community passed away Friday, August 28, 2015 at his residence. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Donald and Jesse Howard Burnette. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, David and Melvin Burnette. He was past president and avid member of the Smoky Mountain Bee Keepers Association in Bryson City and a mentor too many Bee Keepers. He entertained across the U.S. and Canada playing old time country music. He was also a race car driver in Virginia and worked at shipyards in Virginia. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Laurel Burnette; one daughter, Shirl Foster and husband Gary of Texas; one son, Eddy Burnette and wife Phyllis of Virginia. He is also survived by his former wife, Millie Simcox; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; four sisters, Dorothy Marr, Bonnie Lawrence, Revena Cooke and husband James; Rachel Perdue and husband Ralph; two brothers, Richard Burnette and wife Geneva and Roy Burnette and wife Janice; two special sisters-in-law, Carol Burnette and Deb Swistara; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Tabor Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.