Gary Gaston Burnett
Whereas, Garry Gaston Burnett, was born April 25, 1947, in Graham, North Carolina; and
Whereas, he graduated from Central High School in Alamance County and later attended Winston-Salem State University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1970. While attending the University, he distinguished himself as a varsity football player, and he was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity; and
Whereas, he began his civil service career with the City of Burlington where he worked for three years. In 1973, he began an illustrious thirty-one year career with the City of High Point. He rose through the ranks to become High Point's Director of Parks and Recreation, a position to which he was appointed by the City Manager in 1998; the same year, he won the Human Relations Commission's "High Pointer of the Year" award; and
Whereas, he exemplified the spirit of servant leadership through the many contributions he made to our community as a volunteer leader and a committed citizen. He served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Greater High Point, as well as Chairman of its Planning Committee, its Allocations Committee, and its Pacesetter Campaign, and he was a Project Blueprint Founder. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of North Carolina and as Chairman of the Board for the High Point Convention & Visitor's Bureau. He served with great distinction as a member of the High Point City Schools Board of Education and the Guilford County Board of Education. He chaired the High Point Chamber of Commerce Community Division and a Challenge High Point Steering Committee. He was a member of the policy boards of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, American Red Cross, Community Clinic, Open Door Ministries, and the High Point Area Arts Council. He was an inaugural member of the High Point Community Foundation Board of Trustees where he served with both commitment and vision.
Whereas, he showed his deep concern and affection for the youth of our community through his determination to make High Point's Parks and Recreation program a world-class resource for the children of our community. He was instrumental in providing the Piedmont Soccer Alliance with the support and vision that has made Phillips Fields Park one of the premiere soccer facilities in the state of North Carolina. He was a man of great integrity and grace who valued people above all and who treated his employees, his superiors, his friends, and those whom he served with dignity and respect.
Whereas, he valued personal relationships and considered his friendships one of the most important blessings in his life. He considered his family his most treasured earthly possessions and he loved them with a singular passion and commitment. He married Carolyn Thomas in 1967 and together they raised two beloved sons, Garry Jr. and Todd. During his marriage he established a lasting relationship with his Mother-in-Law, Rev. Bertha M. Thomas, who remained both a friend and a mentor over the years. In 1992, he married his present wife, Caroline Hazel, with whom he raised two additional sons, Cohen and Zachary Braxton. Among his most prized possessions are his four sons, who he has had a lasting impact upon academically, professionally, spiritually, and socially.
Whereas, he accepted Christ as his personal savior at a young age and was baptized at Burnett's Chapel United Church of Christ in Graham, North Carolina, a family church his grandfather founded and served in a pastoral role. He is now resting in his Savior's loving hands and will be a lasting memory and inspiration to us all.