George Jay Burnett III, age 71, of Paducah, Kentucky entered Heaven’s Gate on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 10:45 a.m. and was welcomed by his Heavenly Father.
Jay was a graduate of Lone Oak High School where he played basketball and baseball, and he also played American Legion baseball. He played baseball for Murray State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, Master’s degree, and Rank 1. He was a math teacher for 27 years. He taught at Paducah Tilghman High School and Heath High School where he was recognized as “Teacher of the Year.” He was a true fan of Heath High School while coaching baseball and basketball, assisting in football, and running the clock for many years at basketball and football games. Jay was competitive in all sports whether he was playing or coaching. He had a special way of impacting the lives of his students, athletes, and coworkers. Jay was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he and his wife greeted and welcomed people on Sunday mornings with smiling faces, and he served on various committees. Jay was a veteran of the U.S. Army, member of the U.S. Army Reserve, and past president and board member of the McCracken County Teachers Credit Union. He was a member of Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, Paducah/McCracken County Retired Teachers, Kentucky Education Association, and National Education Association.
Jay’s favorite hobbies after retiring were playing golf, fishing, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. He and his wife traveled extensively in the United States, Europe, and Australia, and they spent extended stays in Florida during the winter months. He also enjoyed spending many hours per week tutoring students in math hoping to make a difference in their lives. He was a child magnet as little children were drawn to him just as he was to them. His biggest smile was always when he was with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janet “Jan” Graham Burnett; three daughters - Kim Burnett (Mike) Flynn, Edgewood, KY; Melissa Burnett (Michael) Travis, Benton, KY and Julie Burnett (Shane) Shupe, Union, KY; two sisters - Pat (Tom) Smith, Paducah, KY and Kris (Rick) Straub, Benton, KY; 10 grandchildren who were special to him - Allie, Jay, Kyle and Ryan Flynn; Addison, Chaney and Carson Travis; Alexa, Ansley and Brennan Shupe; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents – George Jay Burnett, Jr. and Joy Elizabeth Persons Burnett; and one brother, Lee Burnett.
Services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Paducah, KY with Rev. Sue Engle officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 12, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church.
A special thank you to the medical professionals who cared for him throughout the years and to Lourdes Hospice for his care during his last few weeks. Jay will be remembered for his courageous attitude in life.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to: Lourdes Hospice, P.O. Box 7100, Paducah, KY 42002-7100; Trinity United Methodist Church, 6125 Blandville Road, Paducah, KY 42001; Arthritis Foundation, Kentucky Chapter, 2908 Brownsboro Road Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40206-3506.
Arrangements made by Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah.