John P. Burnette, 82, of Gloucester, passed away on Aug. 24, 2014, at his home following a long illness. He was born in Petersburg, Va., on Dec. 20, 1931, and moved to Hampton at an early age, graduating from Hampton High School in 1949.

He served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and retired from CSX Transportation following 34 years of service.

Following retirement, one of his greatest pleasures was serving as cashier at the Farmer’s Daughter Produce Stand where he met many wonderful friends. He also enjoyed calling Bingo at Walter Reed Convalescent Center, the weekly Bingo games sponsored by the Gloucester Fair Association and at the Gloucester County Fair.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zeke Raymond and Ethel Temple Burnette; his brother, Felton Burnette, and sister, Charlotte Burnette Coffen.

He is survived by his wife, Rachael R. Burnette; his son, Michael and wife Jackie of Portsmouth; daughter, Micki Sanford and husband Michael of Hillsboro, Ore.; also five grandsons, Chris Burnette and wife Louise, Alex Burnette and fiancée Denise, Aaron, Andrew, and Allen Sanford. He is also survived by his stepson, Kenneth Roy and wife Francoise; a great-granddaughter; stepdaughter, Karen Merrill and husband Jeff; sister-in-law, Myrtle Burnette; brother-in-law, Frank Coffen, and several nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Salem United Methodist Church, Monitor Masonic Lodge #197 A.F.&A.M., American Legion Post #25, Newport News Moose Lodge #1119, and the Gloucester Fair Association.

The family received friends at the Andrews Funeral Home on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014, from 6:30-8 p.m. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Aug.  27, 2014, at 11 a.m. in Salem United Methodist Church by the Rev. Rita Staul. Burial was in the church cemetery with Masonic Rites.

Memorial donations may be made to either Salem United Methodist Church, 11408 Salem Church Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061.

Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.