House: Hixon

Attorney: Beeson

Drafting Assistant: Rushton

Date: February 08, 2024

DOC. ID.: /LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL/WAB/DRAFTS/LC-0618WAB-RM24/LC-0618WAB-RM24.DOCX

 

 

A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF WILLIAM THURMOND BURNETT OF EDGEFIELD COUNTY, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are deeply saddened by the passing of William Thurmond Burnett of Edgefield County on February 2, 2024, at the age of eighty-five; and

 

Whereas, born the son of James E. and Carrie Langley Burnett, the young Thurmond grew up on the west side of Edgefield County, where his parents instilled in him the virtues of hard work and service to his community. In 1949, at the age of 11, he began his career with Mitchell's Drug Store on Main Street, followed by years at the Edgefield Paint and Electric Store. But his passion for helping others started in 1957 when he began working at Edgefield Mercantile Funeral Home. Having obtained his funeral director's license in 1964, he ran ambulance service until 1971 and in 1972 purchased the funeral home and Jennie's Flower Shop. For sixty-six years, he served the people of Edgefield County during their most difficult times; and

 

Whereas, Thurmond strongly believed in active community involvement, and he put his convictions into practice by serving his community in various capacities. Elected Edgefield County coroner in 1970, he served as coroner until January 1, 2018. In that same year, Governor Henry McMaster conferred upon Thurmond Burnett the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor granted by the State of South Carolina, for his many contributions to Edgefield County and for the forty-seven years of service as coroner that made him the longest-serving such official in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, this man of faith found his spiritual home at Edgefield First Baptist Church, where he was a member. Further, he served as a member of Edgefield American Legion Post #30 and on the board of directors for both the Edgefield Civic League and Edgefield Cemetery Association, and he retired as fire chief in 1988 after thirty years with the Edgefield Fire Department. For his committed service, in 2007 he was named Edgefield County's Outstanding Citizen, and in 2023 he was honored with the Distinguished Community Service Award for his years as county coroner; and

 

Whereas, during his last years, people would ask if he planned ever to retire from the funeral home. He would say, "No, I love the people too much. They've been good to me all of these years. I thank them for putting their trust in me and having faith in me." He has left Edgefield a legacy to be proud of; and

 

Whereas, Thurmond Burnett leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Cindy K. Burnett; his children, David and Kellie Burnett, Scott and Beverly Burnett Quarles, Amber and Chris Rosebach, and Kristy Whalen; four granddaughters; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends. Thurmond finished the race, kept the faith, and stood before his Lord and Savior with restored health in body and mind. He will be remembered amongst his fellow South Carolinians as a beloved and respected leader, one who will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of William Thurmond Burnett of Edgefield County, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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