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Obituary For Claude Burnett
In person signing of the book and viewing will be 12 noon to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 with a family hour 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of West Gadsden Funeral Home.
Celebration of life will be 12noon Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Fellowship Baptist Church 807 Ave. C. Burial Lincoln Hill Memorial Park.
Claude Burnett affectionately known as “Bill or Bill Bo” was born in Gadsden Alabama on June 11th,1943 to Mrs. Clara Burnett Johnson and Biological father Mr. Claude Thornton. Claude was raised and nurtured by his step father Mr. Hugh Johnson whom he loved very much. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Claude was educated in the Gadsden School System, he was a 1961 graduate of Carver High School. Claude enlisted in the United States Army on December 4th,1963 and served active duty honorably until August 20th,1969. During his military career he served in the Vietnam War.
In 1970, he joined the Army National Guard and attained the rank of First Sergeant in 2003. Claude was the first African American First Sergeant in the Alabama National Guard. He served with the 279th Signal Battalion Unit of the National Guard Albertville/Huntsville. He served faithfully until his retirement in 2003.
In 1970, Claude started a career at Good Year Tire and Rubber Company. He started as a tire builder and worked his way into management as a Quality Assurance Engineer for the company. Claude graduated Athens State college on December 11th, 1992 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Claude retired from Goodyear in 2006, leaving behind many dear friends and co-workers whom he loved. Following his retirement he continued to work as an independent contractor for the automotive industry.
Claude accepted Christ at an early age. He started his Spiritual journey at Mt. Siani Spiritual Church under the leadership of Bishop GW Garrison. He continued his walk in faith under the leadership of Bishop Tonya Latham in 2009. In 2015 he joined Fellowship Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Scottie Rice, where he served on the Deacon Board, Out Reach Ministry, Male chorus and security. Claude lived a life that was pleasing to God. He always left you with words of encouragement and wisdom. He was a true gentleman who spoke softly and firmly.
Claude rendered his services where there was a need. He was board chairman of the Central Carver-Foundation Museum. He was well respected and loved by many that knew him.
He leaves to cherish his memories to his wife Vivian Burnett. Children: Claude J. Burnett Gadsden, AL; Michael (Nakia Davis) Burnett, Birmingham, Al, Kristie (Ernest Wallace) Burnett-Wallace, Gadsden, Al, Twonya Collins, Chesterfield Virgina, LaToya (Roemelle Rice) Burnett, Birmingham, Al and Christopher (Keyauann Williams) Burnett Gadsden, Al. Chosen daughters Brandice Whitaker and Tia Roberson. Sister: Mary (John James) James. Sister in Love Ms. Patricia McGee. Sister and brother in law; Deborah and George Robinson, and Charles Morris, Gadsden, Al. He was the best grandfather to his 16 grandchildren, Lamar, Kaneica, Jacobi, Jabar, Claude Jarvis, Michael Burnett Jr., Kristian, Kameron, Kristal, Maleek, Khadijah, Nyasia, Bree, Chole, Amirah and Royal. He has 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was previously married to Flora Burnett in which they shared 3 children. Special cousins; Alberta Hughley and Linda Hughley. Special Friends; Jessie Rawls, Dr. David Burton, Ella B. Woody, Gary Wells, Terry Smith, Odessa Evans, Yvette Latham and Tony Tolbert. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Premier Provider of Professional Funeral Services: West Gadsden Funeral Home, Inc.
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Racienda Hill sent Stately Croton for Claude Burnett - March 20, 2026
My Prayers and Condolences to the Burnett family during this difficult time and the days ahead...May Blessing and Comfort be with you
Claude, you will be deeply missed. We've had may memories and those will live on in our hearts. Condolences to the entire family.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Claude Burnett. I knew Claude from years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Alonzo (Buck) Hill Lincoln Al
To the Burnett Family:
I want to encourage you that the Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die (Psalm 116:15, New Living Translation). And I pray that God will give you sufficient comfort and peace during this difficult time. I met Mr. Burnett at Fellowship Baptist Church, and he was a faithful deacon. He gave me lots of encouragement. Therefore, he was a pleasure to know.
Best regards, Kenneth Sullivan
I first met 1SG Burnett as a Signal Soldier in the 279th Sig Bn Det-C Boaz, AL. 1SG Burnett was the Epitome of an Army 1SG and always took care of his Soldiers. My fondess memory of 1SG was his unique smile and laugh, totally unforgetable. His military leadership and style helped shape my career. You can now "rest easy" Top. Craig Williams CSM (Ret)
I got to know Mr Bill Bo at Honda he would always stop and talk to me all time. We always had some very good conversations he was a nice kind person. I hate to hear of you passing and you are going to be missed. May you rest in peace. Keep the entire family in my prayers.
As a former soldier (279th Signal Bn) of Top, we had a remarkable friendship and respect for one another. My condolences and prayers to the family. R.I.P. First Sergeant.
As a former soldier (279th Signal Bn) of Top, we had a remarkable friendship and respect for one another. My condolences and prayers to the family. R.I.P. First Sergeant.
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My sincerest sympathy and condolences to Vivian and the entire Burnette Family. Bill Bo may be gone from this world but he will never be forgotten. May God bless you and ease the pain of your loss. Love, Kathy and family El Paso, Texas
My sincere, loving thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Vivian and the entire family during this difficult time. Mr. Burnett will truly be missed at Fellowship with many cherish able me memories.
My condolences to fVivian and the Burnett family. Top cat as some of the guard members would call him, because he was large and in charge. It was a privilege to have known and worked unders his leadership. Rest in power and peace top cat.As you would always say blessed assurance Jesus is mine. This is not farewell but later in due time my friend. Mary a. Sanders.
My condolences to the family and friends of 1SG Burnett.
He was my 1SG, as us Soldiers would say "Top". When I was assigned to the 279th Signal Battalion. He mostly definitely knew what it means to be a leader. He was the best and remembered his leadership styles and it help me to a good leader as well during my service in Army. Rest in Heaven Top.
MSG(R) Terrance Caselberry
My condolences and prayers goes out to Vivian and family,may the Lord bless and comfort y'all during this difficult time Love Always Cousin Billy and Dorothy Hughley and Family 🌹🌹🌹🙏🏾
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Claude was truly a special soul—someone whose kindness and gentle heart touched everyone he came in contact with. The way he cared for others, often without asking for anything in return, will always be remembered and truly missed. His presence brought warmth and light, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time, and I hope you find comfort in the many beautiful memories he leaves behind.
I always enjoyed working with Claude at Honda, such a kind soul and gentle spirit. Heaven got an angel, fly my friend!
Nancy Henderson (Honda Alabama)
We are sure going to miss you man! This a hard pill to swallow.
Please accept condolences from Bobby Wilson and family. Claude was a childhood friend from Carver and Mt. Sinai Spiritual Church. He is remembered by me as being a true friend. Bobby Wilson
Keeping the family lifted up in prayer
To the Burnett family. May God's ANGELS surround you during this sorrowful time. Always great to see him. From the kitchen crew of old St.Paul, we will always remember to save that pie for you. You would say, no First Lady Ann said I can get a whole one. Rest on my friend, rest on great man! Love to the family, Kin Priest.
My Cousin-in-love and Brother-in-arms, you were always kind, supportive, and encouraging. Rest well and much love!
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Like Jerry Posey , Claude came to HHC as the First Sgt when I was became the Company Commander. It seems like yesterday when Ginger and I invited him to dinner before taking command. Claude was good and decent man. I know his family will miss him and his military family as well. I'm a better person by working with him
He was my First Sergeant when I was the Company Commander of HHC, I have many many fond memories of those days. He was a good man and a great soldier! Rest In Peace my brother I will be much in prayer for your family!
Mr. Claude was one of the kindest souls I have ever known, and I feel truly blessed to have worked alongside him for five years. He never had a bad word to say about anyone—something that always meant so much to me. He had such a gentle, genuine spirit, and I will always cherish the many conversations we shared.
He will be deeply missed. Rest easy, my friend.
Vivian, Chris and family, please accept my heart felt condolences, I feel your loss!! 💔 May his memories be a blessing!
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
