Eddie James "E.J." Burnett, 88, of Seville, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at his residence. A native of Ocklawaha, he was the son of Illinois Burnett, born on Thursday, August 25, 1932. He was educated in the Marion County School District.  On February 11, 1953 he entered the U. S. Army and served during the Korean War.  He earned the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on January 15, 1955.  Eddie was of the Christian faith and had accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He was a resident of Seville for over 60 years.  He was employed as an agricultural laborer and was a longtime, loyal employee on the Mount Royal Plantation. "EJ" enjoyed gardening and watching westerns, the judges on the nationally syndicated reality-based court shows, and boxing on the television.

He was preceded in eternal rest by his mother, Illinois Burnett Jacobs; daughter , Alicia "Lisa" Nelson-Baugh.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 45 years, Delorise Burnett; daughters , Annette McIntyre, Eddie Mae (Cleo) Williams; sons, Tony (Cynthia) Washington, Terrell Mitchell ; 17 grandchildren ; 32 great-grandchildren ; 18 great-great grandchildren; devoted nephew, Danny (Ninetta) Johnson; godchildren, Marlene (Pastor Michael) Scott, Mae Whipple, Kenneth (Sarah) Roberts; son-in-law, Terry Baugh; special friend, Joe Baker, Sr.; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 5 and Homegoing Celebration at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 6 at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church, Seville, Rev. James E. Vickers, pastor.  Elder Emanuel Roberts, pastor of Walker Chapel Church of God by Faith, Crescent City, is the eulogist. Interment will be in the St. Johns Cemetery, Seville.