Robert "Bob" Burnett

Robert “Bob” Burnett passed away peacefully at his home in Sarasota, Florida on April 3rd at the age of 81. Bob was born November 12, 1940, to Robert and Mary Burnett in Bradenton, Florida. He is survived by his beloved wife Millie Burnett, after 45 years of marriage. He is also survived by his children Paul, Betsy, Jay and his wife Lynsey, Traci, and Sara, and his sister Elizabeth. In addition, he leaves behind his grandchildren, Colin, Kathleen, Lauren, Kade, Alexcia, Gavin and Brandon, along with his great grandchildren, Riley, Carter and Conner. Bob was predeceased by his eldest son Michael. Bob was born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, and from an early age worked in the family dairy and citrus business. After graduating from Manatee High School, he attended The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. He went on to join the Army where he became an exceptional cook and well known for his culinary skills. Upon the completion of his service in the Army, Bob moved to Gainesville, Georgia where he began a very successful career in the retail automobile business. He furthered his career by accepting an offer in the publishing business in Gainesville, Georgia with National Auto Research, “Black Book,” where the national headquarters was located. With much ambition, determination and an exceptional work ethic with Black Book, Bob would eventually earn the title President and CEO of this nationally acclaimed company. During his tenure, he was tasked to oversee several multi-million dollar acquisitions that he orchestrated and would help Black Book increase and improve their presence in the automobile research business. He was well respected and thought of within the publishing, automobile, banking and distributor businesses, just to name a few. Bob was very active with Jim Moran’s Foundation YATC (Youth Automotive Training Center) out of Deerfield Beach, Florida. Additionally, in 1999, Bob was inducted into the National Auto Auction Association Hall of Fame. After 28 wonderful and successful years, he retired from Black Book in 2007. After retirement, Bob was very involved in the Boys and Girls Club in Jackson County, where he sat on the board for two years. Bob was very generous and took great joy in helping others by giving back. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. His greatest most enjoyment came in spending time with his wife and family at their 130-acre farm in Talmo, Georgia. Furthermore, he thoroughly enjoyed working on the farm, where he would experience much joy and peace on his John Deere tractor. Bob was an avid bird hunter, fisherman, and an experienced boatsman. He is loved by all and will be truly missed by his family, friends and business colleagues. A private ceremony as well as a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Tributes

Robert "Bob" Burnett

November 12, 1940 - April 3, 2022