John Cameron Burnett, 63, of Atkins, passed away Friday, September 30, 2016. John, known affectionately as Johnny, was born on May 3, 1953, to Durard and Vida Pearl Burnett, and raised on a farm just north of Atkins. He graduated from Atkins High School in 1971. After graduating from Arkansas Tech University, he attended the University of Arkansas School of Law where he graduated after spending every semester on academic probation. This was quite the achievement in his amusing eyes. As a student he honed his storytelling and debate skills that would serve him well throughout the rest of his life. Johnny was larger than life and had the personality to go with it. He loved telling his stories with his booming voice and getting a laugh. He was a proud Yellow Dog Democrat and never missed an opportunity to antagonize Republicans. In actuality, he never judged one on where they are because he never knew how far they’ve come. Johnny’s uncommon empathy, desire for justice, and relentless pursuit to better the lives of those around him won him admiration, respect, and love from all those he encountered. Johnny served in several roles for his community over the course of his life, most recently as a Public Defender for Johnson County. He also previously served as Atkins City Judge, Chariman of the Benton County Election Commission and on the quorum court, as well as an Arkansas delegate to the 1984 Democratic National Convention. Survivors include his wife, Lana; his brothers, Pat Burnett and his wife Delois of Atkins, and Bill Burnett of Jonesboro, AR; his five children; Wes and his wife Richenda of Alexandria, VA, Erin and her husband Jayme Smith of Fayetteville, AR, Britton of Washington, D.C, Cameron and his wife Valerie of Holy Ridge, NC, and Philipp of Atkins, AR; and 8 grandchildren, Kellen, Brynne, Patrick, Rachel, Josiah, Logan, Olivia and Abigail. Funeral services are 2:00 PM, Friday, October 7, 2016, at Union Grove Free Will Baptist Church in Atkins. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. A private family burial will be held at Oakland Cemetery north of Atkins. Memorials in his honor may be made to Oakland Cemetery, P.O. Box 440, Atkins, AR, 72823. Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.