09/07/2026
After Salisbury Rotary Club President Gus opened our September 3rd meeting and provided a few announcements, he asked our 'Member Spotlight' speaker, Rocky Burnett, to give his talk.
We learned Rocky's given name is George, named after his father and that he was born in Baltimore in 1940. His older brother's name was King. His father had been a naval officer in WWII, and was recalled to serve in the Korean conflict. After, he and his family moved to Salisbury, where his mother's family lived. Rocky's father started a tire sales business, which became Burnett-White, as it's known today!
As he grew older, Rocky played sports, starting with little league. He won his first batting championship! He graduated from Wicomico Senior HS in 1958. He was named most outstanding athlete, lettering in football, basketball and baseball. Rocky attended Gettysburg College, playing basketball & baseball, and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science. He worked in his father's tire business until 1969, but changed careers, becoming an assistant Administrative Officer for newly elected Governor Marvin Mandel. He later served for Governor Blair Lee as an Executive Assistant.
During this time in his career, the Department of Aging was created, and he became the Assistant Director of Aging in Baltimore. He returned to Governor Lee's office. It was during this time he was involved in the creation of Pine Bluff Center and other major state projects.
Rocky returned to Salisbury to become a licensed federal & state nursing home administrator, a position he continued in until retiring in 2005.
At the age of 75, Rocky became an ordained Deacon in the Anglican Church, serving in Salisbury and Berlin for the past 14 years.
Rocky is married to Sue Hall Burnett. His words: "Sue Hall Burnett, who has been strength and hope for 40 years" (celebrated this past June)! Rocky's family, daughter, son, step-daughter and all the grandchildren are "my love and joy"!
Rocky also gave thanks to the two Club Members, Pete Reddish and Phil Insley, that introduced him to Rotary, after letting them know he wanted to get involved with a leading civic organization. Rocky's "most memorable statement...'Love the Lord, your God with all your heart, soul and mind and Love your neighbor as your self.' " Rocky, thank you.
