Col. Larry R. Burnette

COL (US ARMY, Ret) Larry R. Burnette died on 2 July 2025, with his family by his side.

Larry was born at Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, Fl. on 29 March 1944. He was the son of Larry and Ruth Burnette, and brother to Linda and Lisa.

He attended Dale Mabry Elementary, Madison Junior High and HB Plant High School in Tampa. At Plant, Larry was the JROTC Brigade Commander.

Larry joined the National Guard at 17 and was commissioned a US FLNG Second Lieutenant at 19 through FLNG OCS.

He attended the University of Florida (Go Noles!) and graduated from the University of Tampa.

Larry met his lifelong best friend when both were five years old. They initially did not like each other! Her name was Dee Hufford. They had their first date on 29 September 1961; the devotion is everlasting.

Larry and Dee married on 23 April 1966 and have three cherished children: Kelly Burnette (Bill), Tamara Schoen (Dean), and Matthew Burnette (Melissa). They also have six adored grandchildren: Trey (Emily), Sydney, Madison, Alexis, Elizabeth, and Patrick.

Larry served in the US Army Field Artillery for 25 + years. He served two tours in Vietnam (Big Red One and First Cavalry Division). He also served in Desert Storm and was a member of the 3rd ACR. Among his medals and awards were: The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with a V, and the Order of St. Barbara.

Upon retirement, Larry and the family returned to Florida where he helped initiate the Army JROTC program in Bradenton/Manatee County. Larry served as Senior Army Instructor at Bayshore High School and was proud to see that all 7 public high schools in the County have Army JROTC.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ruth, his brother-in-law, Kin Cook and his sister, Lisa Cook. He is survived by Dee, his sister Linda Hanson (Ken), Sister-in-law Kay Esmiol and niece and nephews.

At his request, the family will hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to honorflight.org or wreathsacrossamerica.org in honor of Col (R) Larry R. Burnette.

Salute! Evermore my HERO!