Jimmy Burnett

Jimmy Carroll Burnett, 93, of Beebe, Arkansas was called to his heavenly home on December 11, 2024. He was born on February 1, 1931, in Floyd, Arkansas to Cleve and Ila Burnett. Jim moved to California at a young age to work in the hardwood floor business. He would frequently return to Arkansas to visit family. On one of his visits, he met the love of his life, Leah Holden, while she was hitchhiking in her grandpa’s front yard. They married a short time later and raised five daughters.

 Jim worked hard for his family and had many business adventures. He owned Custom Hardwood Floors, several gas stations, a radiator shop, and a used car lot. He is best known for owning Jim’s Bakery in Beebe.

 Jim had a great love for his family. He loved playing dominoes, horseshoes, cornhole, and especially beating the younger generation at croquet. He also enjoyed working in his shop building tables and giving new life to worn-out furniture.

 Left to cherish his memory are his wife of almost 74 years, Leah C. Burnett; his daughters, Paula (Tim) Cornell, Malea Head, Theresa (John) Jordan, Jimmie (Chuck) Merriman, and Sandy (Randy McGaha) Burnett; grandchildren, David (Michelle) Kirkland and Robert (Amber) Kirkland of Texas, Justin Head, Crystal (Phil) Hanson and Joey Pfeifer of California, Christopher (Emily) Head, John Jordan, Jason (Marion) Holleman, Jayme (Andrew Morton) Holleman, Baylie (Blaine) Medler and Taylor McGaha, all of Beebe, Lane (Haley) Hancock of Conway, Rachelle Pfeifer of West Memphis, and Katie (Tom) Hinton of Tennessee; great-grandchildren, Lauren (Michael) McCall, Trevor Weinaug, Dawson Kirkland, Ashton, Logan and Kinsley Kirkland, all of Texas, Jeffery (Ashley) Head, Julia (Josh) Ellenwood, and Sophia Head, all of California, Jubilee Medler of Searcy, Amesley Head, Jaiden Oser, Karly, Jaycee and Clara Holleman, Zoey Holleman and Rylee Morton, all of Beebe, and Shaun Hinton of Tennessee; and great-great grandchildren, Everett, Emma and Ellis McCall of Texas and Landon Ellenwood of California.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleve and Laura Burnett, and Ila (Quattlebaum) and Henry Nelson; and his son-in-law, Jeff Head.

 We will miss you immensely, Dad! Thank you for always being someone we could count on and always providing us with sound advice (even though we might not have listened as much as we should have).

 Jim loved his church and did his best never to miss. So in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the 16th Section Union Church in Jim’s memory. Donations can be sent to 3491 Hwy. 267 S., Beebe, AR 72012.

 A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the 16th Section Church, 3387 Hwy. 267 S., McRae, Arkansas. Cremation arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home. To view the online register, go to www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook