Donald R. Burnett

Donald R. Burnett, age 47, of Maryville, TN, departed for his heavenly home on May 5, 2021 at UT Medical Center, after a brief, but devastating battle with COVID-19.

There aren’t enough words to capture a lifetime of friendship and love (especially when they cost $1 a piece). Don left a legacy of laughter and good humor, from his random Monty Python references to his favorite punny jokes of the day. He loved to make others smile, and he made each day brighter for all who knew him. He always found something in common with each person he met and walked away having made a new friend.

Don served both his hometown community as a police officer in Middlesboro, KY, and his country as a veteran of the US Air National Guard through the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGhee Tyson Air Base. He was a self-taught computer technician and utilized those skills in several positions through the years, the most recent of which was at Cellular Sales, where he found the true meaning of a “work family”.

Don was an avid gamer and enjoyed many hours playing World of Warcraft, where he found another extended family. He enjoyed the simple life, but had a taste for the finest bourbons and he loved craft beers, which he reviewed through his YouTube channel “Liquid Measures” (where more hilarity and shenanigans ensued). Don was proud to be licensed as both a private pilot and an Extra class ham radio operator (N4ABV). He also volunteered as a certified SKYWARN storm spotter.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn, whom he loved and missed greatly. His absence is felt deeply by those who survive him: his lifelong friend and devoted wife of 14 years, Sara; his father and hero, Donald; his children and the joys of his heart, Isabella, Autumn, and Rhys; his best friend of over 30 years, Robert Brumbach, and a host of loving family and friends too numerous to name.

In accordance with his wishes, Don will be cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2021, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home in Maryville, TN. The family will gather with friends to celebrate his life from 1 pm to 3 pm, with a service to follow at 3 pm.

The family would like to thank the staff in the CVICU at UT Medical Center and ECMO Advantage for their kindness, compassion, and support over the past few weeks.