William Leslie Burgess Jr., age 93, of Crossville, Tennessee died on Saturday, January 29, 2022, formerly of Bedford, Pennsylvania.
He was born on July, 16, 1928 in DeLeon, Texas, the son of the late William Leslie Burgess Sr. and Ora Grace (Jenkins) Burgess.
On January 3, 1987 he married the former Carol Jean (Furnari) Flanigan in Fairfax County, Virginia. She survives him.
He is also survived by a daughter, Tammy Jane Burgess of Manassas, Virginia, a son, John Carter Burgess the husband of the former Kathleen Ann Wyrick, a granddaughter, Kaila Noelle Burgess, and a stepdaughter, Eve Marie Flanigan of Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Mr. Burgess was a member of the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church of Crossville, Tennessee. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 through 1969, retiring in the rank of Commander. He flew 103 combat missions during the Korean War and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and six combat Air medals. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland and served four tours in Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E). He also graduated from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he worked for the Grumman Aerospace Corporation in Bethpage, New York and Hercules Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia, retiring in 1991.
Friends will be received on Thursday, February 3, 2022 from 2:00-3:00pm at the Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church with a service immediately following at 3:00pm.
While I did not know Bill well, I did know him and that he served his country honorably and was a true patriot…and that’s enough for me to know he was a good man.
God said, “You know my son was special, but he died for a purpose.” I know Bill was close to you. God’s son was close to him. Remember God gave his son, and he understands, and he will always understand so run to him.
Try to remember the little things, the shared smiles, the warm hugs, and the laughter. The pain might seem unbearable now, but in time, it is these memories that will win through, and you and your family will find happiness again.
Carol, if you need anything please call and I’ll be there for you and by your side because you deserve the best.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking about all the memories that were made in and around the area of Buffalo Mills, PA all those years ago. Bill, a very nice gentleman, that always welcomed you into his home. May God grant you comfort, peace, and love especially during these difficult time. With Deepest Sympathy.
Larry & Stephanie,
Thank you for the kind comments. I miss that beautiful area and country life. If it were not for the winters, I would move back.
Bill often spoke of the Hyde family with fondness.
Carol Burgess
I just found this memorial to Bill Burgess.
My Dad, Robert Ellis, met Bill and his family in the late 60’s possible at Grumman, or early 70’s, at Patuxent River. (I was just a kid so do not know exactly, and our Dad passed away on 01/25/2015, so I cannot ask him.)
I remember, though, that they were friends for a very long time.
He was such a nice man to all of us (Mom and 9 kids), and my Dad, Bob, still spoke of him as the years passed.
May you find comfort in all those wonderful memories and heroic actions of a Giant of a man.
Bill had a long life and was deeply loved.
Sincerely,
The Robert Ellis Family
Texas