Russell R Burgess Jr.

Russell R. Burgess Jr., 83, of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at his home. Born on July 9, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Dr. Russell R. Burgess and the late Anne M. Burgess. Russell was a loving husband, father,

grandfather and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Russell R. Burgess, father; and Anne M. Burgess, mother.

Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Susan C. Burgess; daughter, Joellyn B. Gurganus (Keith); son, Rusty Burgess III; grandchildren, Madee Burgess, Austin Burgess (Callie) and Burgess Gurganus; great-granddaughter, Baker Burgess; and a special friend,

Eddie (Shorty) Richardson.

Russell graduated in 1966 from Campbell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry and attended the Medical University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy and worked as a hospital representative for Wallace Pharmaceutical Company.

He was owner/operator of Tilghman Beach Service Station in 1972 and Burgess Realty and Appraisal Services. He served for 13 years on the North Myrtle Beach City Council and was mayor pro-tem. He also served on the North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission.

Russell was honored by the City of North Myrtle Beach by naming an area on Duffy Street in the Cherry Grove Beach area as the Russell R. Burgess Jr. Coastal Preserve.

He was one of the founding members of the North Strand Ducks Unlimited, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, a charter member of Horry County State Bank, where he served as chairman of their advisory board. He worked on beach renourishment with local, state and federal governments in the initial beach renourishment programs and initiated the Cherry Grove Channel Dredging Project. He served on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce.

The Burgess family moved from Chicago, Illinois, to Ocean Drive Beach in 1958, and became one of the three families to start Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Russell loved his town of North Myrtle Beach and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society, 409 Bay Street, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582.

Lee Funeral Home and Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the family.