William "Bill" C. Burnette, Jr.

William “Bill” Carlton Burnette, Jr. died in Baltimore, MD on August 13, 2025 after complications during surgery. He was born in Columbus, MS on July 7, 1943. For the last 15 years of life he lived in Cambridge, MD.

In Bill’s early life he graduated with a degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia, where he met and later married Suzanne Martin. They raised 3 children together and divorced after 43 years of marriage. After moving to Cambridge, MD, Bill met his soulmate and partner-in-crime, Joy Staniforth, with whom he lived the remainder of his years. Their partnership was filled with love, ease and joy. They enjoyed one adventure after another together, including trips to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague, Wales, Italy, France, England, winters in St. Petersburg, FL and too many more to name. Bill was gracious and kind with a keen sense of humor. He loved deadheading the roses in the yard and sitting on the front porch with Joy and the family and friends who visited. Known for being funny, charming, kind, adaptable and easy going, Bill was lovely to be around. He loved music and as they drove SLY, their camper, to the next destination, he always played Willie Nelson’s song, “On the Road Again”.

Bill is survived by Joy, his sister Marty Lucero, his son Marc Burnette (Jennifer), and his daughters, Shannon Leigh Burnette (Fiancee, AJ) and Mahlone Burnette (Mike) and “bonus” children Dan Mottram (Chris), Anna Ensley, Kate Button (Tom), grandchildren Zachary Clark (Katie), Isaac Burnette, Leon Burnette, Isabel Spina, AvaLeigh Spina, multiple bonus grandchildren, one great-grandaughter, another great-granddaughter on the way and multiple nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Carlton Burnette and Lena Agnew Burnette, his sister Frances Ayres and grandson Jacob Burnette. 

Since life is always clearest when death is close by, we see again how much he gave us. We are all better off because he was with us. Bill’s loving presence as a father, grandfather and partner helped make us who we are and we are grateful.

Now Bill is on the road again. . . a new road and we say to him, “We love you so much!” And we can hear him responding, “Love y’all!”