1931
Willie
2016
Willie Burgess
July 16, 1931 — May 28, 2016
Willie Royce Burgess was born July 16, 1931, to the parentage of Elberta and Tip Burgess in Mt. Pleasant, Texas – Doo Rock Community. As the baby of the family, his only sister, Evelyn, was charged with the responsibility of helping to raise her little brother while the mother and father worked in the fields. He also looked up to his older brothers, Robert, Herbert, and Morris Burgess.
At an early age, Mr. Burgess joined the Cottrell Chapel CME Church in Mt. Pleasant, TX where his mother, Mrs. Elberta Burgess was a very dedicated Sunday School leader. Later in life, he and Helen joined New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas where his membership remained.
Mr. Burgess attended Booker T. Washington High School. As a loyal son, Mr. Burgess helped to provide for his parents. Mr. Burgess was inducted into the United States Army November 2, 1952 and served in the Korean War. He received the United States Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Burgess received an honorable discharged on October 3, 1960.
He began his career in life driving heavy duty 18 wheeler trucks; traveling all over the world delivering commodities for over 40 years and worked security for several companies in the Dallas area.
On December 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Helen Ruth Dennis in the home of Mr. And Mrs. James L. Dennis in St. Augustine, Texas. To this union two precious children were born; Willie Royce Burgess, II, and Lisa Laverne Burgess. Both children were the apples of his eye and brought he and his wife great joy and comfort. Willie and Lisa preceded him in death.
Mr. Burgess enjoyed watching television, especially cartoons, reading the comics, telling jokes, discussing politics and traveling with his wife touring states and landmarks.
Mr. Burgess adored Helen who was a most loving and devoted wife all the days of his life. She tended to his every need. They were inseparable.
He was the best uncle his niece and nephews (Junior, Orenthia and Oland) could have. They always looked forward to their Uncle Royce visiting and spending time with their family in Tyler.
Willie Royce Burgess is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Helen Ruth Dennis Burgess; nieces Eileen Burgess, Dallas and Rev. Orenthia D. Mason (Tyler); supportive niece Deborah Glenn; nephews Cleveland L. Mason, Jr. (Deborah) of Houston, Oland Dean Mason (Tyler), Morris Burgess, Jr., (Denver, CO); special nephew Norman; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
At an early age, Mr. Burgess joined the Cottrell Chapel CME Church in Mt. Pleasant, TX where his mother, Mrs. Elberta Burgess was a very dedicated Sunday School leader. Later in life, he and Helen joined New Hope Baptist Church in Dallas where his membership remained.
Mr. Burgess attended Booker T. Washington High School. As a loyal son, Mr. Burgess helped to provide for his parents. Mr. Burgess was inducted into the United States Army November 2, 1952 and served in the Korean War. He received the United States Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Mr. Burgess received an honorable discharged on October 3, 1960.
He began his career in life driving heavy duty 18 wheeler trucks; traveling all over the world delivering commodities for over 40 years and worked security for several companies in the Dallas area.
On December 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Helen Ruth Dennis in the home of Mr. And Mrs. James L. Dennis in St. Augustine, Texas. To this union two precious children were born; Willie Royce Burgess, II, and Lisa Laverne Burgess. Both children were the apples of his eye and brought he and his wife great joy and comfort. Willie and Lisa preceded him in death.
Mr. Burgess enjoyed watching television, especially cartoons, reading the comics, telling jokes, discussing politics and traveling with his wife touring states and landmarks.
Mr. Burgess adored Helen who was a most loving and devoted wife all the days of his life. She tended to his every need. They were inseparable.
He was the best uncle his niece and nephews (Junior, Orenthia and Oland) could have. They always looked forward to their Uncle Royce visiting and spending time with their family in Tyler.
Willie Royce Burgess is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Helen Ruth Dennis Burgess; nieces Eileen Burgess, Dallas and Rev. Orenthia D. Mason (Tyler); supportive niece Deborah Glenn; nephews Cleveland L. Mason, Jr. (Deborah) of Houston, Oland Dean Mason (Tyler), Morris Burgess, Jr., (Denver, CO); special nephew Norman; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
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