Rick Burnette Obituary

Richard Alan "Rick" Burnette of Bonneau passed away on March 24 after a brief battle with cancer. Born on January 6, 1950, to Rosalie Mathis and Paul Burnette, Rick was a native of Blackville, South Carolina. He attended North Augusta High School and, upon graduation, earned a football scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, SC. Rick played four years for the Paladins, graduating as a four-year letterman with a degree in Psychology.

Rick dedicated forty years to the field of education, serving as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His career spanned schools across South Carolina, including Holly Hill, Harleyville-Ridgeville, Crescent, Saint Stephen, Macedonia, Berkeley, Timberland, and Woodland. He cherished his time as head football coach at Harleyville-Ridgeville, Saint Stephen, and Macedonia, often recalling fond memories with his players and staff. However, Rick's most treasured coaching moments were working alongside his sons, Matt and Brooks, during their time together at Woodland in recent years.

Rick spent the last thirty years of his career within the Berkeley County School District and relocated to Bonneau Beach on Lake Moultrie, a place he affectionately called "the vacation spot of the world." Known for his outgoing nature, Rick never met a stranger and found joy in retirement through fishing, golfing, daily visits to Planet Fitness, and attending his children's and grandchildren's athletic events. He was an active member of Moncks Corner United Methodist Church, participating in the chancel choir and working with the Methodist Youth Fellowship. Additionally, Rick was involved with the Moncks Corner Lions Club, held lifetime membership in the South Carolina Coaches Association, and volunteered with Feed Berkeley, a cause he deeply valued. In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, David Dosser, and his sisters-in-law, Jane Burnette, Karen Kimberly, and Susan Garrison.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; his sister, Kathy Dosser; his brother, Paul Burnette; four sons, Mathis Burnette (Cristine), Brooks Burnette (Lindsey), Jamie McNeil (Melanie), and Willie McNeil (Benita); twelve grandchildren, Mattie, AnnaClaire, Presley, Brooklin, Pearin, Payden, Parker, Avery, Jaimesyn, Brevin, Baeleigh, Bristol; and a special friend, "Aunt" Sue Hagan.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 13 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church. A memorial service to honor Rick's life will be held Tuesday afternoon, April 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the sanctuary of the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made in Rick's honor to the Moncks Corner United Methodist Church, 106 Church Street, Moncks Corner, SC 29461, or to Feed Berkeley c/o MCUMC, 106 Church Street, Moncks Corner, SC 29461.

Rick's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his dedication to education, his unwavering support for his community, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His warmth, generosity, and zest for life will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory continue to inspire kindness and commitment in those he leaves behind.

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