James Cecil Burnett

James “Cecil” Burnett Jr. (Bubba) was known for his passion towards cars, bowling, frogs, and the teasing love he showed to his family and friends. He was a brilliant mechanic, owning his own car garage for a period of time in New Mexico before finding his home in Utah, where he continued working with cars. He never lost his love for his hometown in Texas, though, and all it had to offer.

He was born in Stephenville, Texas on April 29, 1940. He was the oldest of 5, followed by his three sisters and one brother. They were his cheerleaders, always coming to his football games and track meets while growing up.

Cecil has two daughters and a son. His heart was so big, though, that when he moved to Utah he became a father to Rhonda. Making him “grandpa” to not 7, but 11 children; and great-grandpa to not 11, but 17 children. He loved to go camping and four-wheeling with them, along with relaxing and watching Westerns in his frog and car themed living room. He was very close to his nephew, Danny Harris. They would talk on the phone everyday about anything and everything.

No amount of words can express the impact he had on those who loved him. He was stubborn and a fighter. One who battled prostate cancer for over a decade before deciding it was time for the fight to be over. On October 14, 2023, Cecil passed away in the presence of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Cecil Burnett Sr. and Gladys Ann Bramlett; his brother-in-law Mike Judge; and his great niece Zoe Gallagher. He is survived by the love of his life, Tawna Sweat Barney; his brother, Mark Burnett; his sisters, Annette Harris, Sherry Chamberlain, and Nell Judge; his son, Brad (Sheila) Burnett; and daughters, Rhonda (Lyle) Harding, Robin (Greg) Minter, and Shelli Haas. He is loved, he is missed, and he will never be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 11-1 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah.