WILLIAMSPORT - Willie Ray Burnett, 35, passed away at his residence, Thursday, October 5, 2017.

He was born in Newark, NJ on March 29, 1982 and was the son of Willie L. Smith, Jr. of Richmond, VA and the late Wanda Rae (Burnett) Locke.

Willie graduated from Williamsport High School in 2000, attended Clarion University where he majored in music then graduated from Newport Business Institute.  He had worked for Verizon Communications from 2006 to 2010 when he retired and then he had worked part-time for Weiss.  He had grown up attending Christ Temple Church and he was involved in music, piano and the marching band and color guard at school.

In addition to his father, he is survived by special friend; Rashad S. Payne of Williamsport, one daughter; Nyjayah Payne-Burnett of Williamsport, three brothers; Byron R. Burnett (Cheri Beard) of Irvington, NJ, Maurice Harper (Rochelle) and Levar Harper (Samantha), all of Newark, NJ, step-father; Calvin Locke of Williamsport, aunt; Marcia Burnett Mitchell (Kendell), uncle; Ernest Lowery, all of Newark, NJ. and a host of other family and friends.  In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents.

There will be a public viewing 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Diamond Street Christian Church, 822 Diamond Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 where the funeral service will be held 12:00 p.m.  Pastor Jerry Smith will officiate the services.  Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, 500 West 4th St., Williamsport.