Harold Burnett, Jr.

Harold and Cordelia Burnett were delighted to welcome their newly born son whom they named Harold, Jr. on December 16, 1948.  Harold would be the oldest of seven siblings. As the oldest sibling, Harold learned to be dependable and responsible. Across the years his siblings looked up to him as a wonderful big brother and role model. In1967, Harold graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He loved participating in the ROTC Drill Team and playing basketball. During the mid 1960’s, he heard and accepted the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized at the Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ under the leadership of the late Bro. G. P. Holt.  Following high school, Harold resumed his education at Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, TX.  At Southwestern, Harold participated in various organizations, particularly the a cappella chorus, where he formed life-long relationships.  

One such relationship was with Willie Eva Rufus, a young lady from Dallas, Texas. Harold and Willie Eva connected almost immediately, sharing their passion for singing and their love for the Lord. Together they performed duets at school programs and at church. Their popularity around campus earned them the title Mr. & Miss Songbird. This relationship blossomed into a romance that would last for 54 years. 

On August 1, 1969, at the Cedar Crest Church of Christ in Dallas, Texas, Harold and Willie Eva were united together in the bonds of holy matrimony.  There at Cedar Crest, Harold inspired the congregation as he directed the worship singing.  He and Willie Eva also became involved in the Deaf ministry where they learned to sing in sign language. They were also active in the prison ministry where they ministered to male and female prisoners through song.  

As their marriage took deeper root, Harold and Willie Eva received countless invitations to sing at weddings, funerals, banquets, family reunions, alumni events, and other special occasions.  

Raising five children did not deter them from their singing ministry.  Their children Sharyl, Harold III, twins Carole & Daryl, and Gerald proved to be the perfect combination for a Burnett ensemble. The entire family would appear on many programs where they entertained and inspired listeners. The Burnett home was like a Sunday school class and a rehearsal hall.  The beautiful sound of acapella singing combined with reading of the scriptures and prayer resonated throughout the atmosphere. 

Besides performing as a family unit, Harold and Willie Eva sang with several local choruses including the Gospel Hour Chorus of the Cedar Crest Church of Christ, the A. Hugh Graham Chorus (in honor of their college music professor), the chorus of the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ, and Old School Acapella Ensemble (dedicated to the preservation of acapella hymns). 

Upon becoming members of the Mountain View Church of Christ in the mid 1980’s, Harold and Willie, along with their children, rolled up their sleeves and got right to work. Following Harold’s lead, the Burnetts threw their hats in the ring of several ministries, especially the music ministry.  Harold has led congregational singing, directed the adult chorus, sang with the chorus as well as with the Worship Team. He and Willie Eva were instrumental in their service to the Senior Saints ministry. 

One of Harold’s greatest joys was directing the City-Wide Youth Chorus where he spent many years of the 1970’s and 1980’s shaping the voices and   lives of talented young people.  Now adults, these young people and their families still reminisce of the wonderful years of traveling together to spread God’s message through singing.  

When not involved with singing, Harold enjoyed a 29-year career at Parkland Memorial Hospital. During his tenure with Parkland, Harold worked in the emergency room, the clinic, and in human resources. Outside of work, Harold gleaned immense pleasure from cooking. He’s been called on to cater for social gatherings, especially family events. Another passion that drove Harold was his wild enthusiasm for sports. All the oceans combined could not extinguish his love for the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks.  Snugged in the comfort of his man cave – his den – he enjoyed hours of sports entertainment with his family and house guests. He was also a semiprofessional joke teller. *Smile*

Harold has never relented in his commitment to faithfully serve his family and the church. He has loved singing to his grandchildren as a way of inspiring them in their faith walk. On Sunday afternoon June 9, 2024, he answered his final call to sing. This special invitation was to sing with the choir of angels within the gates of Heaven.  There was no need for an audition for the Lord had already heard and lovingly approved of Harold’s singing and the sincerity of his heart.

As we honor Harold, we also remember the family members who preceded him: father Harold Burnett, Sr; Mother Cordelia Duncan; stepfather Charles Duncan; brother Richard Burnett, sister Joyce Ann Duncan; son Gerald Burnett, Sr. (Frederica).  

Those loved one remaining to cherish Harold’s memory: wife of 54 years Willie Eva Burnett; daughter Sharyl Burnett Zeno (Leon); son Harold Burnett III; twins Daryl Burnett (Ernieca) and Carole Burnett Hamilton (Jamell); brothers Charles James Duncan and Ben Duncan; sisters Patricia Windom Duncan, Deborah Duncan, and Veronica Duncan. Harold also bids farewell to 15 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, an unborn great-grandson due to arrive any day, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a myriad of other relatives and great friends. The Burnetts extend heartfelt recognition to Aaron Sayles, Harold’s best friend since childhood. The two enjoyed each other’s company as classmates and dear brothers-in-Christ.  

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