On July 21, 2013, in Hagerstown, MD, Bruce Burnett died in a motorcycle accident. Born May 21, 1957 in Lynchburg, VA, he is the son of Roland Rudolph Burnett, Sr. of Madison Heights, VA and Nancy B. Hall of Mason Neck, VA. He retired in January 2013 from with the Federal Government where he worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), U.S Army, and State Department.
Bruce began his remarkable 35-year career with the CIA in 1977, advancing from the post of security clerk to end his service last year as a manager in the finance research unit. As a specialist in finance support functions, Bruce served mainly with the Directorate of Support and the National Clandestine Service, travelling to Agency posts in some 30 countries throughout Latin America, Asia – including in Afghanistan -- Europe and the Middle East, as well as holding many high level positions at Agency Headquarters in Washington (Langley, VA).
He received numerous Exceptional Performance Awards and two components in which he served received Meritorious Unit Awards. In 2012, at the end of his career, he was given a War Zone Coin for his service in Afghanistan.
He was a member of the American Legion Francis Scott Key Post #11 of Frederick, MD where he was an American Legion Rider and Color Guard and Rifle Team volunteer. He is survived by two sons and a daughter: Matthew Ryan Burnett, Christopher Michael Burnett, and Michelle Elaine Burnett of Accident, MD; a step daughter, Kira Muren of Frederick, MD; 3 grandchildren; his parents; a brother and two sisters: Roland Burnett, Jr. of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Veronica Brown of Rustburg, VA; and Regina D. Hall of Springfield, VA; and loving girlfriend, Rose Rich, of Frederick, MD.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Wounded Warriors or Home for our Troops.
Photos and articles
Photo album
Funeral procession photos from the Frederick News-Post
Bruce Burnett killed in motorcycle crash, WJLA Channel 7 Washington, DC
Frederick American Legion to honor man who died in crash, Frederick News-Post
Girlfriend witnessed Frederick man's fatal motorcycle crash, Frederick News-Post
Obituary July 24, 2013, Frederick News Post
Motorcycle Deaths Get a Closer Look, August 31, 2013, Frederick News Post
Viewing
Thursday, July 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Stauffer Funeral Home 1621 Opossumtown Pike Frederick, Maryland 21702
Memorial Service/Reception Friday, July 26 Viewing from 2-3 p.m. and Memorial at 3 p.m. at Stauffer Funeral Home Reception follows the service: American Legion Post #11 1450 Taney Avenue Frederick, MD 21702
Graveside Service / Burial Monday, July 29, 1 p.m. Rocky Gap Cemetery 14205 Pleasant Valley Drive Flintstone, MD 20530
Tributes
Leave a tributeMy heart goes out to you for all the tragedies that you and your family have had to endure in recent years. I am glad I got to meet Bruce and your father. Who would have known this motorcycle guy was doing spooky work at the CIA? I will keep you and your mom in my prayers.
Don't worry everyone will watch over your kids.
My deepest condolences for your family's loss. We are currently in Maine and will be unable to attend the funeral. You are in our prayers.
Our deepest sympathy and compassion are with you during the loss of your dear loved one Bruce. Just remember God's grace and strength rest upon you and your family and that He will sustain you through this darkest hour and beyond.
Our deepest sympathy and compassion are with you during the loss of your dear loved one Bruce. Just remember God's grace and strength rest upon you and your family and that He will sustain you through this darkest hour and beyond.
There really aren't any words that can be said now that will make your pain go away, but there are many wonderful memories that you all share and will sustain you. My prayers love and sympathy are with you now and always. May God grant you peace and comfort
Leave a Tribute
Smile big, ride fast, and rest easy
The following is the poem from Bruce's memorial and funeral. Love you and miss you big brother.
Gone now but not forgotten
Forever in our dreams
Your addictive smile and genuine compassion
Lay gratified by those in need.
You touched us all so sincerely
Your country, friends and family
You shared your heart, now we shall succeed
Guided by your treasured legacy.
So dance at every party
Where you captivate the scene
On Earth you have provided,
And now you must receive.
There are no more pains
There are no more worries
So catch a ride on heavens highway
Where the bends are as you dream.
One day you will be waiting,
And together we will ride
Once more again together
The white line side by side.
So smile big, ride fast, and rest easy
We are all okay
Knowing you are with us
And we’ll be together again someday.
TRUE LOVE
Bruce and I met through our two children, My daughter Amber and His son Chris. It was Bruces Birthday and our kids had agreed that since we both were good looking and single, that we should meet up. Well, we met up and that was the beginning of a wonderful and beautfil relationship. There are many funny moments within the meeting of Bruce and I, but too much to put on here. We fell in love very quickly. How could I not with the beautiful blue eyes and that smile that lights up a room. He was the first one to say I LOVE YOU after only two weeks. Our love was just meant to be. It was seriously a match made in HEAVEN. We talked alot about our past lives and had so much in common with each other. We would sit on the couch and he would turn off the TV just so we could focus on each other and our feelings. He was always there to listen to me and I was always there to listen to him. We kept each others heart beating and saved each other from the hurt we both had in our previous relationships. I LOVE this man with my heart, body and soul. He was my Rock. He was going to propse to me on my big birthday bash we were planning in September. I so wanted to be his wife! I couldnt have asked for a better husband that I would have had. He and I loved each other unconditionally. We kissed each other goodbye and goodnight and said I Love You everyday. My heart stopped beating when his heart stopped beating on that Sunday morning. I Loved This Man So Much!! Bruce, I Love You and I Miss You So Badly!!! RIP Baby, I will see you again in Heaven. I Love You Baby!!!