David Parker Burnette

David Parker Burnette, 73, of Mt. Pleasant, SC passed away peacefully at his home on February 8, 2023. 

David was a retired Naval Commander, whose many accomplishments and long naval career took him around the world several times and introduced him to countless exciting new places and people. During his long deployments, his family devised clever ways to keep him present in their lives, including but not limited to the infamous series of photographs unofficially titled The Paper Bag Series. David was proud of his military accomplishments, and was always ready to regale his listeners with tales which inspired varying levels of shock and awe.

David was an alumnus of the University of South Carolina (’73) and inspired 67% of his children to attend USC as well (go Cocks). He was an opinionated man and was always ready to have a heated conversation with anyone who held an opposing view. He loved sports, science fiction (even authoring a riveting tale as a young boy), and funny dog videos. He is single-handedly responsible for his childrens’ fascination with ents, misty mountains, and all things Lord of the Rings.

His love of the nautical brought him to Mt. Pleasant, SC, where he lived for nearly twenty years, weathering many a hurricane and using his unnaturally extensive meteorological knowledge to explain to his children why he was in no danger whatsoever and they were being ridiculous for worrying.

David was preceded in death by his father, George, his mother, Jamye, and his brother-in-law, Donn. He is survived by three younger siblings, Jan “Teeter” (so-named by David) Gunderson, Chris Burnette, and Rosemary Schlensker (Fred); many wonderful nieces, nephews, and great nieces; his loving children, Anna Burnette (Ryan), Leigh Burnette (Jenna), and Drew Burnette (Logan); and Anna, Leigh, and Drew’s mother, Susan. He is also survived by his second generation child, his beloved and neurotic dog, Q-Tip.

A celebration of life will be held at the Saluda Shoals River Center at 3 p.m. on February 19.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following organizations that benefits a cause dear to David’s heart: Pawmetto Lifeline, Everytown, RAICES, and Fair Fight.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation - Mount Pleasant, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.