Ben E. Burnette, Jr.

Ben Edwin Burnette Jr., of Route 4 Box 54-C, Bluefield, WV, born on April 14,1949, finally went to the one place he'd been longing to go, home to be with the Lord, on Monday, March 19 , 2012. Ben was a God loving man who loved his wife of 44 years, Brenda Burnette, his children and grandkids. He had been a resident of Bluefield since 1970. Ben was a man full of faith, that firmly believed the Bible was his sword. He was a diligent witness and brought many people to the Lord. He could make anyone laugh or smile, and with just one bear hug, he could make your day brighter. He was a 1967 graduate of Bluefield High School and worked as an engineer for the Norfolk/Western and Norfolk/Southern Railroad for 37 years until his retirement. He was an active member of the Voice of Praise Worship Center. Ben Burnette, Jr. was preceded into death by his parents, Ben Edwin and Virginia Isabelle Burnette and one grandson, Michael Brandon Burnette. He is survived by his wife Brenda of Bluefield, three sons: Shane Burnette and wife Melanie of Bluefield, Brent Burnette and wife Cheryl of Bluefield and Kurt Burnette and wife Amy of Bastian, VA. Also, his brothers Virgil Burnette of La Plata, MD, Anthony Burnette of Charleston, SC and sisters Brenda Crow of Columbus, GA, Mary Sue Daniely of Radford VA and Zona Anderson of Pineriver, Minn. He had 14 loving grandchildren: Justin, Paige, Katelyn, Leslie, Briana, Joshua, Dylan, Hunter, Logan, Rye, Dakota, Madison, Amanda and soon to be great-grandchild, DecIan. Ben also had a very dedicated and loving dog that never left his side named Daisy. Ben will be missed by his family, friends and his second family at Voice of Praise. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. Jason Queen, Rev. Preston Mathena, and Rev. Andy Byrd officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Bluefield with friends and family serving as pallbearers. Friends may call on Wednesday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family has requested monetary donations be sent to Voice of Praise Worship Center; Rt. 5 Box 688 Bluefield, WV 24701. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.