Floyd Chandler Burnett, 73, of Whitesboro, Texas was called home to Heaven on Monday, February 17, 2020.
Chandler was born November 1 ,1946 in Gilmer, Texas to Floyd Chandler and Ruth (Cain) Burnett Sr. He married his wife Janet Jennings in Garland, Texas on April 3, 1971 and that began a whirlwind 49-year love affair. He was a teacher, coach and principal for 13 years, serving at Dallas Hillcrest, Sulphur Springs and for Whitesboro ISD from 1979 to 1984. Chandler was the owner and operator of State Farm Insurance in Whitesboro for 26 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Whitesboro, a member of the Kiwanis Club and a 32nd Mason with Whitesboro Lodge #263. He enjoyed reading and was an avid football fan. He loved being a part of the Whitesboro football teams chain gang. He loved hanging out with his grandchildren and loved teaching them about farm life. Chandler loved people, he loved Whitesboro and he loved being around others and telling jokes, he was a one of a kind man, one that always had a smile on his face and a story to share with you.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Burnett of Whitesboro; son, Brian Burnett and wife, Jennifer of League City, Texas; Jason Burnett and wife, Leah of Blooming Grove, Texas; daughter, Sarah Watson and husband, Eric of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Abby, Kate and Brady Burnett, two brothers-in-law, Howard Jennings, and Glenn Jennings, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.
Pallbearers will be Robert Jennings, Stephen Jennings, Don Cowman, Greg Jennings, Kirk Burnett and Eric Burnett.
Chandler was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Ruth Burnett, sister, Barbara Jane Burnett, brother, Lyle Burnett and brother, Quentin Burnett.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the First United Methodist Church Attn: True Grit Men’s Bible Class 122 South Union Street Whitesboro, Texas 76273.
Funeral Services honoring Chandler will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at First United Methodist Church in Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Adam Spore. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro. A time of visitation will be held for friends and family from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro.
RIP Big Red. I will never forget how awesome it was to have you as my principal my Jr and Sr year! I was so scared of a new school and when I met you it was like I had always been there! I have so many funny stories and good memories of WHS, Ladonia times and having you as my insurance agent! You were so much taller when I was in high school I always joked. Love ya, Croney as you always called me. Wendy Croney
What a great coach and role model .Was talking to a couple of Hillcrest teammates about Him recently – made a big impact in our lives . Looking forward to seeing him again.
May God bless and comfort your wonderful family.
So sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort and joy and happiness. Oran and Sandy Rhodes (aunt and uncle of Leah and Jason)
One of the most honorable men I have ever met in my life. Opened his home to a kid from South Texas and always made me feel welcomed. I’m in the business that I am largely because of his influence. My heart and prayers go out to his beautiful family.
Mr. Burnett, you were always a great leader as the WHS Principal. You always called me Constance. You then became my State Farm agent for years when my husband and I were stationed in Las Vegas, NV, when my husband was in the Air Force. You were such a great person and friend for “Life”. RIP and may God Bless your family during this time!
Our community has lost a great man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, school administrator, and civic leader. He was always there for me and my boys. We shared many special memories with school activities and beyond. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time of sorrow and loss.
Judy Russell Reed Aston
David Reed and family
James Reed
Chandler, Dee, Ted and I traveled many a mile on the sidelines of WHS Football games for 20 plus yrs. as “The Chain Gang” with a lot of laughs and a lot of memories. Chandler worked cooking and serving hamburgers at the Peanut Festival and Kiwanis Golf Tour. and always with a smile, a joke and a laugh for everybody.
We have lost a Great Man and our hearts will be long to heal.
May you rest in peace my friend.
I’ll miss you, cousin Chandler. I’m remembering the good times we had together when we were much younger. Those were happy times and you were always a joy to be around. It seems you never needed a reason to laugh!
May God bless Janet and the rest of the family. Chandler is having the BEST time ever. He was and awesome man and he and Janet created an awesome family. I’m very privileged to have known him.
Chandler was a wonderful man. I enjoyed all his stories and jokes. Hugs and prayers for your family.
Chandler, it was incredible to know you for such a short time, but you made us feel comfortable immediately. Thank you for your friendliness, kindness, joking, warmth. Thank you for being YOU!
You will be remembered…….
Janet, we feel your sorrow, and pray for you and your loved ones, that God will hold you all in the palm of His great hand, and comfort you and bring you to a place of healing. With much love, and blessings……..
Chandler was a amazing friend, spending time with him and his brothers Lyle and Quettin at the farm was wonderful memories .
Heaven is sweeter now. Looking forward to seeing you there, cousin.
So sorry for you loss Red
Chandler was the principal for our children and a lodge brother.
He will be greatly missed
Chandler is with all our great Burnett clan & Heavenly Father. Prayers of comfort & healing to the family left in this earthly abode, who wait their time to meet him again in the eternal home. Rest In Peace Chan!
Donna Burnett Allen
so sorry for your loss.Chandler was a good man and will be missed by many
Janet and kids, Chandler was one of a kind, a good friend who will be dearly missed. We hope that God’s grace and love will comfort you in your grief. You are in our prayers. May God bless, Dr. and Mrs. David Bertino and Deloris Bertino
Chandler was one of a kind, a special man. I have so many great memories of the times he was High School Principal, & I was the secretary. He could always make me laugh with his jokes. He will be missed by all of us. May the Lord comfort you during the time ahead. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Big Red ❤️ You were such a significant person in my life, your kindness and belief in me helped me become a better person. I have told my children and grandchildren stories about you. You did what every teacher and principal should do … you made me feel special. You will always be one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. Love & Prayers!
I have always wondered where Mr. Burnett went when he left Sulphur Springs. He always had a smile!
R I P BIG RED ???
Until we meet again in heaven…
Such a sweet man, Bubba loves to tell stories about Big Red.
I have fond memories of “Big Red” from Sulphur Springs High School and have shared stories of him with former students. Everyone knew not to break the rules and if you did expect the consequences. But we all knew we were loved. RIP Big Red.