William Brantley Burnett

William Brantley “Bill” Burnett, age 87, passed away in Durham, North Carolina, on November 20, 2025, after a long illness. He was born on November 22, 1937, to the late Marvin B. Burnett Jr. and Inez Chatham Burnett.

Bill graduated from Durham High School in 1955 and attended North Carolina State University for a time before entering the United States Air Force. While stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, he met the love of his life, Vira. They married and welcomed their first child while living in Goldsboro.

After being honorably discharged, Bill returned to his hometown of Durham, where he joined the family business, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., working there for many years. He later held several other positions before retiring from the City of Durham as Water and Sewer Maintenance Supervisor. Bill was a natural fixer and talented in many areas of repair—a skill he proudly passed on to his children.

Some of Bill’s fondest memories were made at Kerr Lake with his family. He loved boating, skiing, fishing, and tubing, and cherished the time spent together on the water. He was also an avid golfer who spent countless hours playing with his son. The two shared a love of hunting and enjoyed many outings over the years.

Bill’s passion for sports was undeniable. He was a devoted Durham Bulls fan, attending games faithfully with his wife as season ticket holders for many years. At one point, they even welcomed several Bulls players into their home. His enthusiasm didn’t stop there—anything related to UNC captured his full attention. He was a true Carolina Blue fan through and through and also held a loyal place in his heart for the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bill was a proud member of the Sertoma Club and a dedicated Shriner for many years. Known for his warmth and humor, Bill never met a stranger. He would talk to anyone and loved to joke with people—often so convincingly that those who didn’t know him well weren’t always sure if he was serious. His easygoing nature and good humor made him unforgettable to everyone he encountered.

Above all, Bill’s greatest love was for his family. His wife, children, and especially his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Bill is survived by his wife, Vira Lamm; daughter, Dianne Carter (Tony); son, Brian Burnett (Sharyn); grandchildren, Meagan Garvin (Matt) and Braxton Dean (Ashley); and great-grandchildren, Turner Garvin, Charley Garvin, Elsie Dean, and William Dean.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin B. Burnett Jr. and Inez C. Burnett; his son, Steven Burnett; his brothers, John C. Burnett and M.B. Burnett III; and his sister, Melissa Guarisco.

Visitation will be held at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham, NC, on December 4, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s research, such as the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Services. Online condolences may be left at www.hallwynne.com — select “Obituaries.”