Lawrence Burnette

Battle Lawrence Burnette, Sr., 91, died peacefully Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Born December 22,1934 in Garner, NC, he attended Garner High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Nancy McKenzie. After graduating high school they were married in 1955.

He and Nancy moved to Raleigh, NC where he started his career with NCSU Food Science, then owning a business, later went to the NC Wildlife Commission and retired from the NC Community College System. They built their first home on Ten-Ten Rd. where they raised a son and made lifelong friends. He was a member of Hollands Methodist Church and worked in many roles with the MYF, church BBQs, Methodist Men, and served on many committees during their time in Garner and Raleigh.

He and Nancy traveled widely in retirement, all over the United States and to Israel. They were fortunate to retire to the mountains for a time, and then later to the beach, where many fishing trips supplied numerous fish fry’s. Anywhere they settled he always had a large garden to share with family and friends.

He always had a funny story to tell and wonderful smile. He loved being with family and friends and having them over for cookouts.

A celebration of Lawrence’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 6, 2026, at Holland’s Church, 9433 Ten-Ten Rd, Raleigh, NC, with Rev. Phyllis Vail and Rev. Susan Hobbs presiding. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at a reception after the service in the fellowship hall.

Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Selma and Raymond Burnette.

He is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 71 years, Nancy Burnette, his son, Battle Lawrence Burnette Jr.(wife, Karen) of Pikeville, grandchildren, Karry Burnette Grady (husband, Buddy) of Mt. Olive, Battle Lawrence Burnette III of Fremont, and great-grandson, Jameson Grady of Mt. Olive, his brother, Judson Burnette (wife, Joyce) , sister Sandra Burnette Johnson, many loving nieces and nephews, and wonderful caregiver Carolyn Remington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory to Holland’s Church, 9433 Ten-Ten Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603 or St. Joseph Methodist Church, 200 W Church St., Pikeville, NC 27863.

Online condolences may be made at bryan-leefuneralhome.com