Donald Burnett

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Burnett, who passed away peacefully at the age of 87 on April 7, 2025.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  Don loved his family and friends deeply and was always there to lend a hand in times of need. 

Born on February 5, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa, Don was a graduate of Drake University and a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.  He was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  Following college Don went to work for American National Can Company in Neenah, Wisconsin.  There he met his beloved bride Carol Ann (Rutter) Burnett. Don’s career spanned more than 30 years and 7 states, before he retired at the age of 55 to Hilton Head, SC.   Throughout his career he not only earned respect for his leadership but also forged many lifelong friendships.  He took with him life lessons he would later take pride in sharing with his children, grandchildren and those he mentored. Mr. Burnett was a member of The Gathering Community Church in Cleveland, Georgia.

Don was an avid outdoorsman and passionate about all things sports.  He took great pride in coaching while his children were young and later became a loyal fan and supporter of Clemson University athletics.  Don was fiercely competitive, and that trait was not lost on his golf game.  Barely a day passed that he was not on a golf course in his early years of retirement.  Don rarely missed a year without at least one great hunting or fishing adventure.  He was truly Blessed with several endearing  friendships formed on annual trips to South Dakota pheasant hunting alongside his close friends, Tommy Thompson, Frank McGowan and Ron Banks.  Don’s bucket list also included adventures out west to dude ranches, white water rafting on the Snake River and to Alaska Salmon fishing.   After returning to North Georgia, Don developed a great fondness for the theater and delighted in watching his grandchildren perform.

Don was a dedicated family man who cherished his 62-year marriage to his loving wife Carol.  Together they enjoyed a life full of wonderful memories, adventures and unwavering love. 

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Wilson Fennel & step-father Jack P. Wilson; and father Ted Burnett.  He leaves behind his devoted wife Carol Burnett, three children, daughter and son-in-law Susan and Erick Wilkins, son John Burnett, daughter and son-in-law Cynthia and Pete Grant, five grandchildren Morgan Gardner (Brandon), Meghan Campbell (Tony), Savanna Mann (Garrett), Ryan Wilkins and Brody Grant along with great grandchildren Mathew Gardner and Joann Gardner, Clay Campbell and Ellie Campbell. 

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 17, 2025, from The Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia where family and friends will gather to honor and remember him. The Rev. Robbie Bailey will officiate the service. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM-11:00AM on Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.  A short reception and time to visit with the family will follow the service, at Cenita Vineyard and Winery in Cleveland.  

Interment will follow at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Gathering Community Church, in memory of Don Burnett.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to The Gathering Community Church for their love, support, visits and prayers during Don’s illness.  In addition, they are especially grateful to Don’s special caregivers, Ashley Ware, Raquel Thomas, Melissa Bell, Andrea Edwards, Ellen Campanale and Chris Hill who went above and beyond to keep dad comfortable and in good spirits in his final months.