Vance Lee Burnett

Vance Lee Burnett, 59, of Tarboro, NC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 with his wife and children lovingly by his side.

Vance was born on August 15, 1962 in Kinston, NC to Bill Burnett and Edna Eubanks Proctor.

He is survived by his Mother Edna Proctor (Chester) of Tarboro, NC; Wife of 35 years Jamilyn Kelsh Burnett; Children Kelsey Guettler (Ryan) of Wilmington, NC, and Evan Burnett of Tarboro, NC; Granddaughter Rylee Mae Guettler; Siblings Kenny Burnett (Tina) of Wake Forest, NC and Billy Burnett of Tarboro, NC, Cindy Whitehurst (Woody) of Tarboro, NC, Ginger Connor (Patrick) of Wake Forest, NC; and a host of In-Laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews who he truly loved; and his beloved Dog Luke.  

Vance was preceded in death by his Father Bill Burnett and Sister Kim Butler.

Vance graduated from Tarboro High School class of 1980, and furthered his studies to get an Associates Degree in Forestry at Wayne Technical Community College.  His career began with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and progressed to the highest level of Engineering Technician.  After 32 years of service with the NCDOT, he retired and joined the Civil Engineering Company of Gannett-Fleming.  In recent conversations with his colleagues, he is remembered as a leader, mentor, with a strong work ethic, highly respected, and overall friend.

Vance was a strong, kind, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family. He never once met a stranger, and would strike up a conversation with anyone and often found a common thread of interest that brought forth a lively discussion. He loved his neighbors and was willing to help whenever called upon. 

Aside from being devoted to friends and family, he was known as an avid fisherman. He passed on his love for fishing and being on the water to his children. This passion he also shared with some very special friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 19th at Carlisle Funeral Home. The family will receive friends starting at 1:00 PM until service time. 

Flowers are welcomed, or contributions can be made to the following: Children’s Cancer Society, UNC Children's Hospital, 123 West Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 or American Heart/Stroke Association, 5001 South Miami Blvd, Suite 300, Durham, NC 27703 in Memory of Vance. 

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