Herbert Whitney Burnette

Herbert Whitney Burnette, born May 4, 1923, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side Thursday, May 3, 2012, after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Haywood County, and has resided in Asheville for the past 55 years. He was the son of the late Herbert W. and Elizabeth Burnette, and father of the late Denise Burnette Sprinkle. He was a Veteran of World War II, serving in Germany, England, and France in Patton's 3rd Army. He was a pilot, restored antique motorcycles, and loved to deer hunt. He was an active member of Sardis United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Allene M. Burnette; five children, Whitney Sprinkle of the home who was his caregiver, Matthew Sprinkle (Laura) of Asheville, Carolyn Ingram (Charles) of Kenansville, Richard Burnette (Betty) of Horseshoe, and stepson Rick Mitchell (Mary Lynn) of Georgia; two grandchildren Kristen Seelig (Sam) and Megan Burnette; and two great-grandchildren Madison and Mason Seelig, all of Etowah. The family would like to thank all who have helped him through this journey including the VA Medical Center in Asheville, CarePartners and Hospice. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday in the Patton Ave. chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with the Revs. John Erwin and David Moore officiating. His family will receive friends following the service. Interment with military honors will be at 9:00 a.m. Monday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Sardis United Methodist Church, 897 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.