MSG. William "Bill" Burgess (Ret.)

MSG William “Bill” Burgess, age 78, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at his residence.  The son of the late William and Elizabeth Ball Burgess, he was born in Salem, Massachusetts on June 30, 1941. 

Following several years, Bill retired as a Master Sergeant (MSG) from the United States Army where he had served during the Vietnam War.  An avid reader and prior to his health declining, he enjoyed working on motors and heavy equipment.  Bill loved to camp and go canoeing, but most of all, riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway with his family enjoying the amazing views of the mountains. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Eva Burgess; three children, Eva Smith and her husband, Todd, Mike Burgess and Mark Burgess; three grandchildren, Aserria, Deserae and William; one brother, Richard Burgess; and three sisters, Mary Hogan, Linda Farrel and Barbara Sandborn.  Bill is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews; and his special friends, John and Bridgett Addington.

The family will receive friends on Monday, August 12, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory in Marion. 

A service to celebrate the life of MSG. Burgess will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with Pastor David Edwards officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army.