Isaac Burnette, Jr.

January 13, 1921 — May 17, 2021

Mr. Isaac Erastus Burnette, Jr. passed away peacefully on Monday, May 17th, 2021 at the age of 100.

“Ike”, born January 13, 1921, lived a life full of pride and accomplishment. Born and raised in Mars Hill, NC, he attended Mars Hill College and Western Carolina College, where he met and married the love of his life, the late Veo “Brownie” Pate Burnette. The “love of his life” has no truer meaning than in their love story.

Married in 1944, Ike left his bride to serve as an Aviation Cadet in the Army Air Corp during WWII. Following the end of the war in 1945, Ike transitioned into reserve status and attended his beloved University of Tennessee “Volunteers”, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He and Brownie were blessed with a daughter, Sonja Anne, in October of 1946 and they both began teaching their passions to high school students in western North Carolina. The love story mentioned earlier, took a wrong turn and he and Brownie ended their marriage just before he was called back to service in 1951 to serve in the Korean War as an aircraft maintenance officer. While serving in the US Air Force, he attained the rank of Captain before officially retiring from the military in 1960.

Ike’s experience in aircraft maintenance resulted in a move to San Antonio, TX where he had a successful 34-year career with Bendix Corporation at Kelly Air Force Base. During this time, both he and Brownie remarried and in November of 1955, Ike was blessed with the birth of a son, Michael Thiel.

His love for quarter horse racing flourished in Texas and eventually led to racehorse ownership. As a great supporter of the San Antonio rodeo and racing community, he served proudly as president of the Alamo Quarter Horse Breeders Association in 1982 to 1983. Eventually, his children blessed him with four grandchildren that he cherished with all his heart. Both his grandsons made him immensely proud with their dedication and service in the US Army and all four grandchildren have achieved the one thing he put great importance on. “As long as you earn that sheepskin”, he would say.

And in 1991, a second chance at first love was found. After second marriages and life’s great adventures, Ike and Brownie found their way back to one another. They were remarried at their daughter’s home in November of 1991 and went on to build their dream home on a beautiful piece of property in Schertz, Texas. Brownie proudly donned the home in her favorite shades of pink and blue, while Ike tended to his horses, raised his cattle, and enjoyed his morning grapefruit with an incredible view of his little red barn. They enjoyed their golden years together by taking annual trips to Ruidoso, NM for the horse races, spending time with old friends, traveling to NC to visit family, celebrating the milestones in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives, and simply enjoying life on their little piece of heaven on earth. Sadly, Brownie’s health began to decline and Ike lost his soul mate in May of 2004. In the years since her passing, he kept her memory alive in so many ways.

Ike celebrated his 100th birthday in January surrounded by his family and those that loved him like family. His instructions for the party were simple and specific. “You all bring the party and I’ll bring the 100”. The day was celebrated visiting with his loved ones and watching his four great grandchildren enjoy the sunshine of the mild winter day. He dined on his favorite macaroni salad, Rudy’s BBQ, and a chocolate cake lovingly made by one of his granddaughters, while he rejoiced in the news that his oldest great-grandchild was joining the US Air Force. The party may have been brought to him, but he certainly brought more than the 100 to those that celebrated with him that day.

So as one can see, Ike did live a life full of pride and accomplishment. He lived a life full of love and heart. He married his “one true love”. He served as a 70 year member of the Vance Masonic Lodge #293. He was a man loyal to his friends and family, Jim Beam, college football, strong coffee, and (thanks to Brownie) the day time drama “Young and the Restless”. He enjoyed tomato sandwiches made from tomatoes grown in his son’s garden and good Texas brisket with a side of creamed corn. He was a humble man that just enjoyed the simple blessings in life.

And as I write this tribute to my Granddaddy, I am at peace with his passing knowing that Brownie was waiting for him at those beautiful gates and that his eternal life has begun. I imagine him young and handsome, mowing the hay fields in heaven while she keeps watch from the fence line. This is the life that will be filled with all of their favorite things. And for now, it’s just a memory but one day, I will once again hear him say “I love you too, my darlin”. Mr. Burnette was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. I.E. Burnette, Sr. and Susie Wallin Burnette of Mars Hill, NC; his two brothers, Perry and Baird Burnette also of Mars Hill, NC; and his beloved wife, Mrs. Veo “Brownie” Pate Burnette.

He leaves behind his daughter, Sonja (Frank) Burnette Blalock of Sanford, NC; his son, Michael Thiel Burnette, Sr. of Schertz, Texas; his granddaughters, Meg (Greg) Blalock Adkins of Georgia and Ashley Nicole Burnette of San Antonio; his grandsons, Dan (Stephanie) Martin Blalock of Alabama and Michael Thiel Burnette, Jr. of San Antonio; and his great grandchildren, Juliette, DJ, Cullen, and Riley.

A military funeral and committal service will be held at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas on June 16th at one o’clock in the afternoon.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Disabled Veterans or a charity of your choice.

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Graveside Service

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

Wednesday, June 16, 2021
1:00 PM
1520 Harry Wurzbach
San Antonio, Texas 78209

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Isaac Burnette, Jr.

January 13, 1921 — May 17, 2021

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