Johnny Merle Burnette

Johnny Merle Burnette, 73, of Americus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 2 after a three-year battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, laughter, steadfast character, and a life well lived.

Johnny was born on November 15, 1952, in Manchester, Georgia, to the late Hugh and Helen Burnette. He was a graduate of Manchester High School, where he played trumpet in the high school band and was on the tennis and golf teams. Later, he attended Georgia Southwestern College, where he earned a B.S. degree in Recreation Management in 1976. While at GSW, Johnny was a member of the men’s tennis team and the Sigma Chi fraternity, building lifelong friendships and shaping the character that would define his life. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life and future bride, Carolyn Gay Entrekin, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than 46 years of marriage.

“Johnny B” worked happily during his college years for the Sumter County Recreation Department, positively impacting local youth through his kindness and patience, and at the Americus Country Club, strengthening his lifelong love for the game of golf.

Johnny devoted 36 years of faithful service to the United States Postal Service in Americus, retiring with distinction. He was recognized for his perfect driving safety record and outstanding attendance, honors that reflected his dependability, integrity, and strong work ethic.

Following retirement, Johnny poured his energy into one of his greatest passions, golf. He found both peace and purpose in the game he loved. A remarkably skilled golfer, Johnny proudly recorded three holes-in-one, achievements he spoke of with humility but unmistakable pride. The golf course became his second home and happy place, where many cherished friendships were formed.

Johnny also enjoyed woodworking, playing cards, and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves with his wife. Yet his greatest joy was found in time spent with his daughters and grandchildren, who were the center of his world.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife, Gay Burnette; his daughters, Lindsey (Brandon) Craven of Eastman, Chelsea (Logan) Collins of Americus, Jordan (Stephen) Scarborough of Leesburg, and Joni (Jason) Wilkerson of Hewitt, Texas; and his treasured grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “Papí”: Caden George, Austin Craven, Harlowe Craven, Kynslee Collins, Keller Collins, Lincoln Collins, Remi Scarborough, Hatti Scarborough, Henry Wilkerson, and Leo Wilkerson. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Russell) Buford of Hamilton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Helen Burnette of Manchester.

Hancock Funeral Home of Americus is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 8 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Griffin Bell Conference Center and Golf Course. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 9 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church of Americus. The family will also receive guests at their home, 306 Eckles Road in Americus, on January 6th and 7th from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Flowers may be sent to Hancock Funeral Home or memorial contributions may be made online to the GSW Foundation, Griffin Bell Golf Course Improvement Fund.

Johnny will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, loyal friend, and a man whose life was marked by faithfulness, humility, and quiet strength. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him and in every fairway where his spirit will forever feel at home.

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Johnny Merle Burnette.