Charles Richard Burnett, known by his loved ones as “Chuck,” 40, of Bangs, left his earthly body on August 29, 2016, to receive his glorified body in heaven. Although his passing was not expected, the family rejoices that he is finally at home and in the presence of Jesus. Chuck was born in El Paso, Texas on May 14, 1976. He was the oldest child of five and the son of Jim and Nancy Burnett of Bangs.
Chuck graduated from Bangs High School in 1994. While he was in high school, he was involved in band, jazz band, and UIL academic competition. Music was always one of his greatest interests. He played the tuba and the bass guitar, and was always singing in his rich tenor voice. As a young adult, he attended Howard Payne University and was the recipient of the Harris Scholarship Award, where he participated in the Jubilation Brass band. His family recalls there was hardly a time when Chuck was not listening to music; it was one of his favorite hobbies.
Last year Chuck had decided it was time to earn a degree and had enrolled at Texas State Technical College in Brownwood in pursuit of his Associate’s Degree in Computer Aided Drafting, which he was awarded posthumously. Upon completion, he planned to continue his education and work toward fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an architect.
Chuck was larger than life. He had a vast array of knowledge, skills, and interests. Throughout his life, Chuck worked for the Lisa Motor Lines, the City of Brownwood, New Horizons, Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment, and Kroger. He also served as a caretaker to his grandmother from 2005 to the end of her life in 2013. He considered this one of his most important jobs and cared for her with gentleness and sincere selflessness. Chuck’s life was defined by this kind of love and service toward others.
Chuck was most known for being a friend to anyone and everyone. He loved his friends, and loved gathering with them for an occasional cookout. He was a servant and genuinely enjoyed using his abilities and knowledge for the benefit of others. No one could top his caliber of gift-giving since he was always thinking of ways to bless someone or make their life easier with his thoughtful gifts. His family sees that his greatest accomplishment is how he loved and cared for others. He embodied the Christ-like characteristics of love, humility, kindness, patience, forgiveness and joy. He was humble and kind to everyone he met. A good way to describe Chuck would be to call him “Mr. Fix-It.” He had a knack for fixing broken things. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix and he most often shared that gift with his sisters and mother. It was so much a part of his nature that it even carried over into fixing broken relationships.
As a friend, Chuck was loyal and funny, as an uncle he was playful and light-hearted, as a brother he was protective, dependable and helpful, and as a son he was caring, thoughtful, and faithful, but to all he was a humble servant; as he would often interrupt his schedule to help even a stranger. Chuck loved family time and always wanted to play board games with a gathering of his friends or family long into the wee hours of the morning. His famous words, “Mom, put on a pot of coffee” will ring through his family’s house for a life time. His passing leaves a huge hole in their hearts, for they will always long for his calm yet playful presence. His family rejoices in knowing that he is no longer struggling on this earth, but healthy and whole worshipping at the foot of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. They are thankful for the forty years they got to spend with him on this earth and take great comfort in knowing they will be reunited someday in glory. Until then, his family and friends will have to learn how to live life with his memory in their hearts.
His family would like to share two verses they feel are fitting to remember Chuck. “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 and “This is how we have come to know love: He [Jesus] laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16
Chuck was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jim and Catherine Langston; and paternal grandparents, Ecil Burnett and Inez. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Nancy Burnett; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Burnett; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Bri and Jeff Suggs, Kimbra and Zach Tharp, and Randa and James Vallee; and his treasured nieces and nephews, Harrison and Heidi Burnett, Carlyn, Jayden and Joseph Suggs, Isla Hope Tharp, Jaxson and Jameson Vallee. Chuck leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and love for his family, friends and 90s alternative music. His beloved little dogs, Amos and Rudy; and his numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and his friends will forever long for his presence.
The family would like to thank Dr. Briley, Dr. N. Nigalye, and Dr. Tipton for the continued care they showed him throughout the years. The family also thanks the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services for providing help as Chuck pursued his degree and TSTC for posthumously awarding Chuck with his degree.
A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 10, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Bangs. Anyone who loved Chuck is encouraged to come and celebrate with the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com.
