Elbert M. Tobe Burnette, Sr.

Elbert Marion "Tobe" Burnette, Sr., 93, of Reynolds School Rd., Asheville, was called Home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 8, 2010. A native of Buncombe Co., Mr. Burnette was a son of the late John Daniel and Polly Josephine Redmon Burnette. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Katie Brown Burnette; his second wife, Genevieve Lewis Clark Burnette; daughter, Rebecca Burnette Baldwin; step-daughter, Aileen Moore; step-sons, Robert and Tommy Clark; and seven siblings. Mr. Burnette retired from Sayles Biltmore Bleachery, and also worked at Johnson Chandler Lumber Co., for several years. When he wasn't working, Mr. Burnette enjoyed listening to country music. He was also a member of Woodmen of the World, and was very active up until the last few weeks. He was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church, where he also served as a Deacon. Mr. Burnette is survived by his sons, Ernest Burnette and wife Doris, J.W. Burnette and wife Lucille, and Elbert M. Burnette, Jr.; step-daughter, Jeanette Duncan; brother, Perry Burnette; 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Rose Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Gary Fox, Tim Burnette, and Jason Hyatt officiating. Interment will follow at Gashes Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. Memorials may be made to the Rose Hill Baptist Church Building Fund, c/o Kenneth Baldwin, 115 Reynolds School Rd., Asheville, NC 28803.