Henry K. Burnett

Henry “Keith” Burnett, a resident of Staunton, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

He was was born on April 11, 1934, in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, England, to the late Henry and Beatrice Clara Burnett.

A devoted husband, Keith married his late beloved wife, Thelma Ruth Johnson Burnett, in 1955. Together they built a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, and adventure, living in and traveling through a variety of countries over the decades until her passing on April 15, 2023.

Keith was widely known and deeply respected in the world of vintage sports car racing. A passionate competitor and gifted mechanic, he raced extensively with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and earned distinction as a Group 1 SVRA Champion, particularly behind the wheel of his beloved Turner sports cars. Fellow racers admired his rare ability to extract extraordinary performance from small-displacement British machines - cars he meticulously prepared himself.

Friends from the paddock often remarked that Keith was “a most gentle man - until he put on a racing helmet.” Off the track, he was remembered as friendly, generous, and “one of the guys.” On the track, however, he became fiercely competitive, known for precision driving, mechanical insight, and an unyielding racing spirit. He competed at legendary circuits including Virginia International Raceway, Watkins Glen, Summit Point, and the iconic Silverstone Circuit in England.

Beyond his success in Turner racing, Keith also drove powerful British marques, including an MGB GT V8, earning podium finishes at major vintage events such as the Gold Cup at VIR and the Collier Cup at Watkins Glen. His expertise and reputation extended beyond competition, as he also served as a test driver for Jaguar, a role reflecting both his technical skill and deep understanding of performance engineering.

Keith was equally passionate about sailing and was a longtime member of the American Sailing Association. When not racing or on the water, he devoted countless hours to restoring vintage British motorcycles, taking pride in precision, authenticity, and mechanical beauty.

Those who knew Keith locally remember him not for the racetrack, but for his quiet kindness and gentle spirit. Together, Keith and Ruth were deeply loved by friends and neighbors for their warmth, humility, and genuine care for others. Whether sharing stories, offering help, or simply enjoying companionship, they left a lasting impression as two remarkably kind and gentle souls whose presence made life richer for all who knew them.

At his request, there will be no services.