Samuel Edward Burnett

Sam E. Burnett, age 77, passed away at Parkwest Hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Sam loved the Lord, and he knew he had a home in Heaven waiting on him. Sam will be missed by family and many friends. He used to be called Big Sam when he was younger, and I am sure many will remember him as such. He loved races at Knoxville Dragway, and his friendship with Wes Clapp, the Clapp family, and Sam’s racetrack family that brought him great joy. A few months ago, Wes and his team, along with the AMR ambulance service and the nursing home staff, made it possible for Sam to go one more time to the races. Channel 10 WBIR covered the story and that was all he could talk about for weeks on end.

Sam is preceded in death by his wife, Joy; his sisters, Barbara (Charles) Williams and Darlene Crowe; his mother, Mae Hemphill Fortner; and his father, Bill E. Burnett.

He is survived by his son, William (Amanda) Burnett; grandchildren, Matthew and Christian; sister, Tessia Weaver; second Dad and best friend, Jimmy Ford. Sam also leaves behind stepson, David Mallicoat; and stepdaughters, Vicki and Crystal.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 21, 2025, at Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 7:00 pm, officiated by Robert Zavattieri.

Mynatt Funeral Home, Halls Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Sam E. Burnett. Condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.