Johnnie Wilfred Burnette, 92, passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. Johnnie was born in Franklin County to the late William Cecil Burnette and Margaret Gilliam Burnette on September 15, 1929. Proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Johnnie retired with the rank of Master Sergeant after 20 years of valiant and honorable service to our country. As a member of Rosewood First Baptist Church, Johnnie faithfully served his Lord and participated in the many ministries of the church while worshiping alongside his family. A man of many interests, Johnnie could easily occupy his time whether indoors or out. The opportunity to wet a hook and reel in a catch was equally enjoyable to planting, weeding, and harvesting his garden. He knew his way around the kitchen well, and many meals were enjoyed from his labors. Every time a race was on television, you could find Johnnie relaxing in his chair cheering on his favorite driver as they sped around the track. Operating B&S Grill in Rosewood for many years, Johnnie enjoyed making connections and friendships with those whom he served. Through his relationships with many in the area, he loved to tell stories and connect various people throughout the community. Known by his friends and family as a sentimental man, Johnnie loved with his whole heart. Referred to by many as Popeye, he was revered by many for his great affection for them. Johnnie's love of family was beyond compare, especially when it came to his wife, Alice. The two walked hand in hand for nearly seven decades as he continued to affectionately refer to her as "Baby Doll". Johnnie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Alice Ball Burnette; son, William "Bill" Parker Burnette; daughter, Lori B. Barnes and husband, Timothy Vail Barnes; grandchildren, Stephen Burnette and wife, Andrea, Timothy Burnette and wife, Christa, Teresia Burnette Castenda and husband, Kyle, Tiffany Barnes Denning and husband, Trey, Priscilla Barnes Broadway and husband, Josh; and great-grandchildren, Keegan Burnette and wife, Elise, Avery Burnette Wiggins and husband, Seth, Willa Rose Denning, Adalee Marie Broadway, Bridgette Burnette and Jacob Burnette. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son and daughter-in-law, Johnnie W. Burnette, Jr. and Marilyn Parrish Burnette; brothers, Ben Kelly Burnette, James Ronald Burnette, Lloyd Johnson Burnette, Robert Glenn Burnette and Lonnie Burnette; and sisters, Wilma, Ida Pearl and Louella. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, from 6:00 - 7:00 p. m. at Rosewood First Baptist Church followed by a service at 7:00 p. m. in the sanctuary with Pastor Vernon Braswell officiating. Interment will be at 10:00 a. m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022 in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be sent to Rosewood First Baptist Church, 562 U. S. Hwy 581 South, Goldsboro, NC 27530. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. seymourfuneralhome. com.