Mr. Arvil Willard “Smiley” Burnette, 87, of Barbourville, passed away Sunday afternoon, January 30, 2022 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was the son of the late Albert and Lois Elizabeth Jackson Burnette born on May 14, 1934 at Cannon.
Smiley was a radio technician in the Army National Guard, a former electrical mine inspector, technician at WYWY radio station and a member of the Northside Baptist Church. He enjoyed talking with others on his amateur radios.
On May 9, 1959, he united in marriage with Evelyn Bargo and to this union two daughters was born.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alice Hammons and a brother, Cecil Burnette.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 62 years, Evelyn Burnette of Barbourville; beloved daughters, Sherry Swisher and husband, Mark, of Nicholasville and Melissa Greener of Corbin; a brother, James Burnette of Barbourville; treasured grandchildren, Joseph Swisher and spouse, Casey Passmore, of Berkeley, CA, Nicholas Swisher of Fort Collins, CO, Samantha Vanwinkle and husband, Kevin, of Mt. Vernon and Zachary Shelton of Keavy; seven great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Juanita Burnette of Hamilton, OH, Drucilla Atkins of Lexington, Linda Fannon and husband, Terrie, of Corbin and Nancy Bargo of London; a brother-in-law, Jerry Benfield of Louisville; several nieces and nephews; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, February 8 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Carl Gallion officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday after 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of ARVIL WILLARD BURNETTE.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.