John Willis Burnett passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at his home with his wife by his side. John was born in Newton, MS on October 29, 1942 to the Rev. J. W. Burnett and Fannie Bell Burnett.

John was a graduate of Bogue Chitto High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Whitworth College. After graduation he taught high school science for six years. He then went into grocery sales with Keebler where he retired after 21 years. He later worked for Kraft foods and KEHE Specialty Foods.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Adian Burnett, who was killed during World War II, Robert Burnett and Arden Burnett; his sisters, Helen Savell, Onida Brantley and Charlotte Loper; his brother-in-law Roger Prentiss and Mother-in-law, Margaret, and Father-in-law Elvin Case.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia Case Burnett; his brother James Burnett and wife, Bobby Jean of Vicksburg, MS; Kenneth Burnett and wife, Bonnie of Knoxville, TN; his sister Betty Matens and husband Paul of Madison, MS; his sister Margaret Ard and husband, Isaiah of Ruth, MS; his brother Leroy Burnett and wife, Diane of Brookhaven, MS; his sister Martha Beavers of Bogue Chitto, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Arlington Baptist Church at 1284 Bogue Chitto Road, Bogue Chitto, MS with visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. until services at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Colony Baptist Church at 1200 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157 in John’s memory.