Obituary of Lowell Blake Burnett

Lowell Blake Burnett passed away on April 8, 2025, in Galax, Virginia. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and veteran, Lowell’s life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and unwavering love for his family. For 55 treasured years, Lowell shared his life with his beloved wife, Jo-ella Hudson Burnett. Together they built a strong and loving family that continues to carry forward his legacy. He is fondly remembered by his two sons: Lowell Blake Burnett II and his wife Amy, and Jody Hudson Burnett and his wife Kelly. His pride in family extended to his grandchildren Darby and Dutch Burnett, step-granddaughter Kelsie Pope, and step-great-grandson Ben Pope. Lowell is also remembered with affection by his sisters, Patsy B. Surratt and her husband Clayton, Sonja Boyd, and his brother Roger Burnett and his wife Myrna; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Myra and Jeff Baumgardner; sister-in-law, Patty Hudson. Numerous nieces and nephews also cherish the memories they shared with their uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence “BrushNose” Burnett and Jewitt Primm Burnett. Born in Virginia, Lowell graduated as part of the inaugural class of Fort Chiswell High School in 1961. He went on to pursue electrical studies at New River Technical College—an early sign of the industrious spirit that would define much of his life. On March 5, 1964, Lowell answered the call to serve by voluntarily enlisting in the United States Army. During his military service, he completed one tour in Vietnam and attained the rank of E4 before receiving an honorable discharge on March 3, 1967. His commendations include the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, and a Sharpshooter Badge—each reflecting a deep sense of duty and excellence. After returning home from service, Lowell began working at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant before joining the family business at Poplar Camp Electrical Company. Later he embarked on a successful 30-year career as a truck driver with Shenandoah Driving Academy before concluding with Yellow Freight—a journey marked by hard work and dedication. A visitation will be held at Grubb Funeral Home, 215 South 6th Street, Wytheville, VA 24382 on April 14, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a service from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m., led by his brother Roger Burnett with a special reading by granddaughter Darby Burnett. Interment will follow at Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Rd, Dublin, Va. 24084 in Dublin at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orange Heart Medal Foundation in honor of Lowell B. Burnett at 13833 Owens Chapel Rd., Springfield, TN 37172. Lowell’s memory lives on through those who knew him best—his family and friends who were touched by his strength of character and enduring love. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.