Tommy Burgess

Tommy E. Burgess, 79, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center. A native of Wilkes County, Mr. Burgess was a son of the late Walter and Nora Miller Burgess. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Fredda Wallace. He was a former plant manager with Vulcan Materials Co. and was a member of Good News Baptist Church. He served his country with the U.S. National Guard. Mr. Burgess loved to fish and spend time with his family. He spread love, joy and laughter everywhere he went, and will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor as he entertained everyone with his stories, poems and songs. More than anything, Mr. Burgess loved his wife, Lou, his family and his friends. Mr. Burgess is survived by his wife, Lou Keith Burgess; children, Keith Burgess, Pamela Gibson and husband Michael, and Kevin Burgess and wife Michele; grandchildren, T.J., Keith Jr., Joey, Sabrina and Matthew; great-grandchildren, Clayton, Owen, Twila and Marlee; brothers, Lloyd Burgess and Lester Burgess and wife Becky, all of North Wilkesboro; brother and sister-in-law, Henry Mann and wife Sue, Lou's twin sister; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service for Mr. Burgess will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home and at other times will be at Pamela and Michael's home. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Burgess's family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215.