Douglas Henry Burnett

Douglas Henry Burnett was born on August 13, 1951, to the late Orzell and Marie Burnett.

At an early age, Douglas was baptized and joined the Immanuel Baptist Church, where he was active in the youth ministries and sang on the youth and senior choirs. He recently rededicated his life at Spirit of Life Christian Church, Hampton, VA.

One of his first jobs was working with Fred Gaskins at the Southside Sentinel in Urbanna, Va. After graduating from Middlesex High School, he joined the United States Army and did a tour in Wurzburg, Germany, as a Military Policeman. After his time in service, he devoted his time to Veterans.

On November 27, 1971, He was joined in marriage to Diane Hope Melvin.

He attended Galludet College and became fluent in sign language.  He hired the first hearing-impaired veteran at the VA Administration office in Washington, DC. At the age of forty-two, he attended Hampton Community College, where he was on the Dean’s List while earning an associate degree in Business.

In 2005, after thirty-four years of service, he retired from the VA Medical Center, Hampton, VA. After retirement, he became active in community service and earned an award while working with underprivileged children at the Phoebus Community Center.

He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing to the glory of the Lord. He played chess every chance he could. He adored his grandchildren.  He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

On September 29, 2022, the Lord saw fit to bring Douglas home for eternal rest. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Orzelle, Jr., and two sisters, Harriett and Yvonne.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his wife Diane, three children, Hope Burnett-Furlow of Katy, TX, and Gregory Douglas (Brandi) and Wesley Christian (Lynette), all of Hampton, VA; nine grandchildren, Destiny, Michael, Kaia, Kristin, Brooklyn, Devyn, Miles, Kyree, and Jayden Nagel; three sisters, Schreinaer, Patricia, and Ruthie (Donald); and one brother, Matthew Burnett {Brenda); seven sisters-in-law, Judy, Faye, Joyce, Veronica, Sandra, Anna, and Jessica; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A service to celebrate Douglas's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Immanuel Baptist Church, with a viewing beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment to follow in the church cemetery.  Facial coverings are required.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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