He was of the Baptist faith.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring as an E-9 (sergeant major) after 26 years of service. He served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam. He was a graduate of Bradley Central High School, class of 1960. He was a generous, loving husband and friend.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Ledford; grandparents, George and Beatrice Burgess; aunts, Frances Kemp and Margaret Burgess; and uncle, Dorsey Burgess.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Shirley Dean Jones Burgess, of Cleveland; and sister-in-law, Patsy Floyd of Cleveland.
A graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at Zion Cemetery in Polk County with Pastor Shane Lawson officiating.
A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Fike Funeral Home.
You are invited to send a message of condolence and view the Burgess family guest book at wwwfikefh.com.
