Thomas Ray Burnett, Sr., 81, of Arrington, died Sunday, April 26, 2009, at Fairmont Crossing Nursing Home. He was the loving husband of Rosa Morrell Burnett for 58 years.
Born in Appomattox County, on December 5, 1927, he was a son of the late Joseph Rufus and Lucille Lee Burnett. Tommy Ray was a member and deacon of Woodland Baptist Church. He spent over 50 years working in the auto sales industry and served as past President of the Virginia Independent Automobile Dealers Association. He was a member of the Gideon's International and the Concord Ruritan Club, where he had served as President. He was a 50 year member of the Reedy Spring Masonic Lodge #203 A.F. & A.M. and was past Chief and President of the Concord Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to his wife he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas R. (Tim) Burnett, Jr. and Sarah U. Burnett of Arrington and two grandchildren, Sarah Elizabeth Burnett and Joseph Andrew Burnett.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph R. Burnett and Aubrey L. Burnett and two sisters, Nadine B. Nixon and Louise B. Lawson.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 in Woodland Baptist Church, Arrington by the Rev. David M. Blevins. Burial will follow in Woodland Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Robinson Funeral Home, Appomattox, today from 7-8:30 pm and other times at his residence.
Those wishing to make memorials please consider the Gideon's International, PO Box 486, Appomattox, VA 24522, the Hospice of the Hills, 3300 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503, or Woodland Baptist Church Building Fund, 4434 Thomas Nelson Highway, Arrington, VA 22922.