Mayor Willie Junius Burnette was born July 24, 1940, in Godwin, North Carolina, to Mr. Roscoe and Mrs. Kathleen Burnette. He and his wife Shirley Burnette have two children. Mayor Burnette attended Armstrong High School, graduating in 1959. He knew he had to do something different rather than working for $90 a week on I-95 making asphalt. In 1961, he and his family relocated to New York and worked as a truck driver with Jomar Plastics and Avon Products. After 15 years with Avon, the company relocated to Delaware. However, Mayor Burnette turned down the offer to relocate with Avon, and instead, he and his family returned to Godwin, North Carolina.

Equipped with his knowledge of mechanics, he built the independently owned and operated business known as Willie’s Garage, located on Highway 82 in Godwin, North Carolina. The company provided many services, from engine repair to preventative maintenance, including serving as an official North Carolina Certified Inspection Station. His wife, Shirley, played a key role in this endeavor by performing all critical day-to-day management functions as the office administrator. The business has been very successful over the years, and he has since passed it down to his son, Willie Jr.

He became town commissioner, supporting issues surrounding the community and the Town of Godwin in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Six months later, he ran for the office of Mayor of Godwin and was elected in 2013. Under his leadership, the Godwin community building was built, another large picnic shelter, walking trail, community playground, volleyball, full basketball court, and a splash pad for hot weather cooling relief. The Godwin Park was renamed Willie J Burnette Park in honor of all his improvements. Also, under his leadership, Cumberland County Library started a library lockers pilot program where the North Eastern part of Cumberland County can access library services.

He and his board members are working on expanding the water lines to areas that need safe and clean drinking water. He envisions bringing industries to the community that will bring employment to at least 500 people. As Mayor, he continues to serve the community with pride and a desire to sustain and expand the work that has begun.

Title: Closing Session: Re-Engaging Communities Right Now
Day/Time: Thursday, 8/18 | 3:30 pm-5:00 pm