With a thankful, loving heart, Omer Guy Burnett Jr. of Gloucester, known as “Buddy,” sailed into the sunset on October 26, 2024.
Buddy began a challenging, rewarding life on July 12, 1937 in Lynchburg, Va., where he was born to the Rev. Omer Guy and Eloise O’Brein Burnett. Though visually impaired he managed to achieve whatever goals he set. He attended high school in Gloucester, where he made lifelong friends. Though short in statue and visually challenged, Buddy never let those attributes stand in his way. He was always very active in sports and was part of a very successful football team that received many accolades.
After high school and before making college plans, Buddy volunteered for the draft into the U.S. Army after receiving advice that he would be rejected because of his vision. The U.S. Army had a different view of the situation and shortly thereafter, Buddy found himself in uniform. His Army stint, which was spent mostly in White Sands, New Mexico, turned out to be a great learning and life-expanding experience.
Once Army life was over, Buddy enrolled in college which led him to an apprenticeship at Sears, Roebuck and Company. This led to a 35-year career with Sears in Richmond, Va., and it was at Sears where (as Buddy liked to tell it) that he “got his wife.” On September 7, 1963 he married the love of his life, Melva Jean Franklin. They spent wonderful years living together in Richmond and then in Gloucester. Buddy was very active in both church and civic organizations. He was a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder. During his many years of membership at Ware River Yacht Club, he served on the Board of Directors and among other duties, spent many hours in the kitchen. Buddy was very proud of having been a member of Botetourt Masonic Lodge #7 for over 60 years. Buddy and Melva both loved to travel and were blessed to have been able to take trips around the world, from the muddiest jungles to the highest mountains. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Jean Marie Dutton. He is survived by his wife, Melva; their sparkling, astonishing daughter, Lynn Burnett Sylvia; two magnificent grandchildren, Joseph “Jeb” and Marley Sylvia, and a great-grandson, Jaxson.
Buddy’s life was guided by his Christian faith and his Scots-Irish heritage. His unassuming, thoughtful nature always put him at the forefront of those willing to help others, and he will always be remembered for the strength of his kind and caring demeanor.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, conducted by Pastor Jesse Hill and Pastor Doug Nagel. The inurnment will be private.
He left the world a much better place for his having been here, and his family is grateful for their wonderful time together. Happy sailing, my love!
Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home & Crematory.