Robert Sherman Burnett, Sr., 95, of Fayetteville passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024.

Robert was born on July 4, 1929, in Wayne County, Kentucky to the late Robert Burnett and India Denney Burnett.

After graduating high school, Robert attended college, where he soon decided that the military would be more adventurous. After fibbing about his age, he joined the US Army where he retired as a SGM after serving 30 years.

Robert was a lifelong learner, he attended military schools to learn French and Vietnamese while serving in the Army. After retiring from service, he received an associate degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College and a bachelor's degree from Fayetteville State.

He constantly preached Love, always sharing John 3:16. Robert believed that the world would be a better place if everyone would love one another.  He never let hate win.

Robert was a member of Grace Baptist Church, later transferring to Refuge Church, and a member of Creasy Proctor Masonic Lodge.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery Chapel on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10 a.m.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Burnett and his grandson, James "Jimmy" Sarpolus.

Robert is survived by his daughters, Karen Fulcher, Susan Siemsen and husband, Gary; sons, Robert S. Burnett and wife Dawn, Bruce Allen Burnett and wife Carrie; sister, Anna Lou Blair; grandchildren, John, Joshua, Daniel, Stacy and Christopher; 10 great grandchildren; and many step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301

Online condolences may be made at www.jerniganwarren.com

Alzheimer's Association of NC
5171 Glenwood Ave. #101, Raleigh NC 27612
Tel: 1-919-803-8285
Web: https://www.alz.org/

Make-A-Wish® Eastern North Carolina
3809 Computer Drive Suite 201, Raleigh NC 27609
Tel: 1-919-821-7111
Web: http://www.eastnc.wish.org