Kenneth Whittington Burnett age 78 of Hillsville, Virginia passed away Friday, July 21, 2017 in the Twin County Regional Hospital.

Kenneth Whittington Burnett also known as "Big Daddy" was born March 20, 1939 in Carroll County, Virginia to John Dent and Enola Whittington Burnett and grew up at Byllesby Dam with his brother JD. He occasionally rode the train to Fries High School where he graduated. He joined the Air Force and then attended college.

He worked in banking and lived in Galax. He could be spotted at Patton Cycle Sales, Star Service Center and beyond on his Honda Goldwing with his many motorcycle friends. When he wasn't riding his motor cycle, he was in a parade somewhere with the Carroll Grayson Shrine Club Hillbillies. He traveled nationally and internationally with the Shrine and participated in all events possible to benefit the children's hospitals. He was an active member of numerous civic clubs and organizations including the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, VFW, Moose Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He ate many of his meals at local restaurants but thanks to the Elks Lodge he had dinner and company most nights. Although he was hardly ever home he was blessed with wonderful neighbors around Kipling Lane.

Kenneth has a daughter and son-in-law Keli and Keith Meredith and three grandchildren Kenley ,Alexis and Jack of Hillsville. When his health began to decline, he became a member of his caregivers family Danny and Shelia Jones of Galax, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 2:00 PM in the Woodlawn United Methodist Church Cemetery. Following the service there will be a social at the Galax Elk's Lodge for friends. Pastor Kaye Seay will officiate and Masonic Rites will be performed by the Old Town Lodge #68. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations be made to the Shriners Hospital For Children, 12502 USF Pine Drive Tampa, Florida 33612-9411.