Ray Dean Burnette, 90 of Austinville, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center.  Mr. Burnette was born in Carroll County, Virginia to the late Johnson W. and Mattie Elizabeth Sharp Burnett.  In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his siblings, Edwin Gayle Burnett, Oscar Gene Burnett, Frieda Marie Edwards, and Una Faye Poppek.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Bonnie M. Burnette; sister, Geneva B. Webb; brother & sister-in-law, Doris O. and Loretta Burnett; brother-in-law, Larry Poppek; and several nieces and nephews, and a special great-nephew, MacKenzie Mabe.

Ray was drafted into the Army in 1956 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1958 after serving in the Artiliary Division in Germany.  He was a member of Grover King Post 1115, VFW, Hillsville, VA.

He retired on October 1, 1999 from the Virginia Department of Highways.

Ray was a valued member of the community and belonged to the Hillsville United Methodist Church.  He also cherished his many memberships in the Hillsville Masonic Lodge #193 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rites, Kazim Temple of Roanoke, Grayson-Carroll Shrine Club, Kazim Hillbillies, Royal Order of Jesters, District Deputy Grand Master of District #43, Galax Moose Lodge #733, Eastern Star #71, and Lions Club.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel at 2:00 PM with Pastors Jason Ratliff and Ty Harrison officiating.  Burial will follow in the Myers Cemetery.  Military rites will be performed by the Hillsville VFW Grover King Post 1115 and Masonic Rites will be performed by the Hillsville Masonic Lodge #193 A.F. & A.M. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 until 2:00 PM prior to the funeral service.  Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.