James Raymond “Butch” Burnett was born on August 11, 1944, in Morrilton, Arkansas, and passed away on December 12, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Raymond Burnett.
He was the owner of Capital Fence Company until his retirement. He was an avid golfer, a gifted athlete, and the coach/sponsor of his daughter’s National Championship softball team, the Capital Fence Crushers. In 2008, he was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame. He will be remembered for his character, kindness and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his “Three Girls”: his wife of 60 years, Dianne Major Burnett; his daughter, Stacy Burnett; and his granddaughter, Ashleigh Mallett. We take comfort in knowing that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
The family would like to thank the staff at Hickory Heights Health and Rehabilitation Center and Gentiva Hospice for the kindness and loving care extended to him.
Memorial donations can be made to: Memorial/Gifts – Humane Society of Pulaski County
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
13 Comments
I am so sorry. Prayers for family and love.
Butch was one of my favorite people. A great athlete and a fine human being! He will be missed!
Jim May
We had so many fun times at Highland Valley as well as many softball games! I will keep all of you in my prayers and thoughts.
So thankful I got to know Butch at Hickory Heights. A really nice man with a lovely wife, whom I’ve known longer. Glad he is in a much better place. Gods blessings for his three girls❤️
Dianne, I am so sorry ! Larry and I enjoyed your friendship when we were in Little Rock and have thought of you often since moving. You are in our prayers.
Im so sorry for the family’s loss. He was a great person,and always willing to help people..I will always have fond memories of Butch.
My dear cousin. I looked up to you my entire life. I was the ring bearer at your and Dian’s wedding. I spent summers with you when you ran the summer camp. I watched you playing basketball for NLR, while sitting with uncle Raymond trying not to choke on his cigar smoke. He was proud of you. I Followed your fantastic softball career. I saw you build a family and a business and be successful at both. Your devotion to Dian, Stacy was unwavering. I looked up to you, I will miss you. Your cousin Mike.
Dianne, Stacy and Ashleigh, I didn’t know Butch, but his giving ways precedes him. However, knowing the light and life, Dianne, you live, Butch must have set all of your lives ablaze with this solid foundation. I’m so sorry for your loss as you three honor your husband, father and grandfather’s life. My prayers are with you, Ann
Dianne and family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. May God give you grace, peace and precious memories.
Dianne, so sorry to hear this. Butch was one of my best friends in the good old days. Best all round athlete I ever knew. Great person. Many will miss him, as I will.
Butch will be sorely missed, but he will always be in our hearts. We love you all and are here for anything you need.
Butch was one of my favorite people. I have so many wonderful memories of our days at Capital Fence Company and playing softball with him for Highland.
My prayers go out to Diane and family.
So sorry to hear about Butch praying for you and your family.
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