Reverend William M. Burnett

Reverend William M. Burnett, age 95, of Beebe, was born Dec. 2, 1918 in Prairie Grove, Ark. and died June 6, 2014 in Shawnee, Kan. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and attended Southwestern Theological Seminary. He was a lifelong scholar, reading, writing, and studying. He loved the Bible and Shakespeare, and Kipling, Tennyson, and Dr. Seuss. He told great stories. He and mother read everything from cozy mysteries to the classics. He started his 70 year ministry hitchhiking to his churches from Ouachita on the weekend. Churches he pastored included Hanger Hill in Little Rock, Beebe First Baptist, Old Union in El Dorado, Judsonia First Baptist, Valley Baptist in Searcy, and Antioch Baptist Church. He was the first Director of Missions for Calvary Baptist Association and served there for 18 years. His ministry to those of us who loved him and spent time with him continued until his death. Brother Burnett's parents, Morris G. Burnett and Christine Burnett; a brother, Joe Burnett; and a sister, Anabelle Powers predeceased him. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; three daughters, Amy Lee (husband Chuck), Marti Dodson (husband Rick) and Debbie Adams (husband Matt); five grandchildren, Christopher Lee (wife Amber and daughter Ava), Katie Bunzel (husband Eric and children Caroline and Brooks), Walt Hefner, Laura Adams, and Rose Adams; and sister-in-law, Mary Jo Burnett. Many other relatives and friends survive. His life will be celebrated in a service at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2014 in the chapel at Westbrook Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Beebe First Baptist Church. Arrangements by Westbrook, a Smith Family Funeral Home.