Billy R. "Coach" Burnette

Billy R. “Coach” Burnette, 71, Mooresville, died peacefully at home on February 26, 2013. Billy was born February 23, 1942, in Alamance County, North Carolina, to the late Harvey and Iola (Liggins) Burnette.

Billy graduated from Jordan Sellars High School in 1960, and he proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Billy was employed as an instrument technician for Eli Lilly & Company for 35 years, retiring in 2002. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Mooresville. An active community member, Billy served as the vice president and president of Mooresville Little League. He also was a board member of the Mooresville Senior Center. A longtime cancer fighter, Billy was actively involved in the Mooresville Relay for Life. He was an avid golfer and softball player who always had a new joke or trick for his friends. Always an active person, he enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects. He will be missed by a loving family and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harvey Burnette, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine (Johnson) Burnette, to whom he was united in marriage January 14, 1967; sons, Jeffrey Burnette (Barb) of South Bend and Andrew Burnette (Jennifer)of Avon; “adopted daughter”, Kim Burnette of New Carlisle; brothers, Paul H. Burnette (Mary) of Sedalia, North Carolina, Walter Richard Burnette of Burlington, North Carolina; sisters, Linda B. Trotter (Allen) of Elon, North Carolina, Ricky B. Mebane of Graham, North Carolina; grandchildren, Emily and Alice Burnette; Kelsey Burnette; aunt, Iola B. Martin (Leonard) of Burlington, North Carolina; step brother, Thomas Earl Dixon of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; a host of nieces and nephews.

According to Billy’s wishes, cremation will take place at the Morgan County Crematory, Mooresville. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, 1 p.m., in the First Baptist Church, 680 N. Indiana Street, Mooresville. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the IBMT Patient Assistance Fund, 8111 S. Emerson Avenue #207, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Attn: Julie Starr. (Envelopes will be provided at the church.) Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.