Ralph Burnette, Jr.

Ralph Burnette, Jr., age 80, of Bostic, NC, passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at his residence.

Ralph was born Monday, August 26, 1940 in Rutherford County to the late Ralph Burnette, Sr.  He served his country in the U.S. Army and was a part to the 82nd Airborne Division. Ralph worked as a drilling consultant for Ashland Oil Company for many years and was the former owner of Burnette Trucking Company. Later, he worked as a long-haul truck driver for Francis Produce Company in Greenville, SC.  Ralph was a proud member of the Forest City Masonic Lodge #381. He was also a member of the Thermal Belt Shrine Club and the Oasis Temple and Scottish Rite of Charlotte. Ralph was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Kathy Martin and Levondia Cates.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Kay Burnette; children, Tami Lovelace (Doug) of Ellenboro, Joey Wright (Karen) of Bostic, Tommy Burnette of Winston-Salem and Nicky Burnette of Greer, SC; sister, Betty Smith of Lake Lure; four grandchildren, Michael Wright, Brittany Lail, Ben Burnette, Curtis Burnette; two great-grandchildren, Kat Wright, Grant Lail and his loyal companion dog, Annie.

A service at the graveside will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend Chris Glawson officiating. Masonic Rites will be delivered by members of the Forest City Masonic Lodge #381. The body will lie in state from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to the Oak Grove Kitchen Fund, 1507 Oak Grove Church Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040.