Samuel Edward Burnette

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 & Darlene Crowe; his mother, Mae Hemphill Fortner; and his father, Bill E. Burnett.

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

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

Mynatt Funeral Home-Halls Chapel is honored to serve the family of Sam E. Burnett.