Edward Eugene Burgess

“Gene” Edward Eugene Burgess, age 88, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 15, 2026. He was a devoted Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and family man, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, scholarship, and deep devotion to his family.

Gene was born in the Floyd’s Creek Community in Rutherford County, North Carolina, on June 25, 1937, to “Kat” Sally Kathleen McGinnis Burgess and “Bingo” Martin Van Buren Burgess. A lifelong learner, hard worker and passionate advocate for education, Gene earned both a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He believed strongly in the power of higher education and encouraged those around him to pursue knowledge with integrity and purpose.

Gene began his educational journey at Avondale Elementary School (NC), then graduated from Tri-High School in 1956. After high school, Gene visited his brother Dwight in Lancaster, California, and worked as a mechanic at Ford Motor Company while also attending Antelope Valley Junior College. Gene returned to North Carolina in 1958, where he obtained his Associate’s Degree from Gardner Webb Jr. College in 1960, then a Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology from Carson Newman College, in Tennessee, in 1961. Gene worked as a high school instructor in Perryville, Maryland, from 1961-1962, then returned to Tennessee to be an instructor at Carson Newman College from 1963-1964, where he also joined Broadway Baptist Church.

In 1964, Gene began his long-term connection with the University of Tennessee as an Assistant Professor in the Agricultural Biology Department. Gene earned a Master of Science Degree in Entomology at UTK in 1965. However, Gene achieved perhaps his greatest accomplishment the following year when he married the love of his life, “Millie” Mildred Rose Harrill Burgess, on August 7, 1966. They were inseparable for 59 years, and their love and commitment served as a source of strength and stabilization for one another throughout their entire marriage.

After earning his PhD in 1969, Dr. Burgess became a Professor at the University of Tennessee Ag Campus. First in the Biology Dept in 1970, then moving to his primary career position in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Dept from 1972 until his retirement in December 2009 (working over 39 years for UT and serving as the Interim Dept Head for 2 years). Gene was awarded a federal career service pin for his longevity in government employment. He was also a member of Gamma Sigma Delta (the Honor Society of Agriculture) where he served as President in 1985 and was awarded the Extension Award of Merit in 1997. Gene continued to work post-retirement in the Extension Office and for Summitec, and he also worked at H&R Block preparing taxes during tax season. Never idle hands with Gene and perpetually in service to others. Gene and Millie (as well as his son Martin & his wife during their time at UT) were also beloved fixtures at UT home football games taking up tickets at Gate 18 for many years. Gene’s blood ran orange for sure.

Gene loved his home in Seymour and the life he built there with his family. After they were married, Gene & Millie initially lived in the UT student housing apartments while he completed his education. They next moved to Green Acres subdivision in Powell. Gene’s love of music, faith, and service combined as he served as the choir director at Trinity Baptist Church in Powell from 1970-71, then at Ridgeview Baptist Church from 1971-72. He and Millie (and their three children) made a temporary move to Jackson, Tennessee, in 1972-1974, as Gene was involved with a special project for UT. While he was there, he joined the First Baptist Church of Jackson and became a member of the Gideons International. In 1974, the Burgess family returned to East Tennessee, and purchased their forever home in Cherokee Hills, in Seymour, Tennessee, in 1976. The couple joined the First Baptist Church in Seymour where Gene served as a deacon and in many service roles.

Gene’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. Gene was active in his community as a servant leader and was always willing to unashamedly share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A faithful member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church since 1991, he served as a deacon for many years, offering guidance, leadership, and a steady example of Christ-like service. He and Millie were active members until their health would no longer allow their regular attendance. Gene was also a committed Gideon (serving at Sevier Lodge No. 334), faithfully sharing God’s Word, and a proud Mason, living out the principles of brotherhood and service throughout his life. Gene was also part of the Baptist Brotherhood, Kiwanis International, Order of the Eastern Star, the Lions Club International, the National Rifle Association of America, and many other groups.

Gene had no greater pride and joy than spending time with his family, children and grandchildren at their various events, and he enjoyed telling others about their accomplishments. When his children were in school, he served as PTA President and worked with the Royal Ambassadors. Gene was a Boy Scout as a child and supported the Boy Scouts of America. He served as the Cub Scout Master for Pack 585 in Seymour for several years. He also served as a mentor to his two grandsons, Christopher and Brandon, who achieved their Eagle Scout rank. Gene and Millie showed up. They came to school events, football games, softball games, basketball games, musical performances, award ceremonies, family dinners, holiday gatherings, graduations – or just to sit and chat. Gene had happily entered his new role as a great-grandfather to 4 precious littles. Above all, Gene loved his family dearly. He was a steadfast and devoted husband, a wise and patient father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who treasured every moment spent with his family. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith will continue to shape the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Mildred Rose Harrill Burgess; his children, Martin Edward Burgess (Lisa France Burgess), Kristi Burgess Knight, and Van William Burgess (Michelle Pollard Burgess); his grandchildren, Christopher Martin Burgess (Hayley Clark Burgess), Brandon Turner Burgess, Bailey Leanna Burgess, Cody Alexander Knight (Sonora Berry Knight), Sarah Grace Knight, Elijah Arin Burgess, Jessica Michelle Burgess and Micah Andrew Burgess; his great-grandchildren, Quinn Noelle Burgess, Piper Ruth Burgess, Jack Wyatt Knight and Callum Wilder Knight; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him deeply.

Gene was preceded in death by his mother, Sally Kathleen Burgess, father, Martin Van Buren Burgess, and brothers, Dwight Buren Burgess and James Glenn Burgess.

Active pallbearers will be Michael France, Billy France, Christopher Burgess, Cody Knight, Brandon Burgess, Elijah Burgess, and Micah Burgess.

The family expresses their gratitude to Dr. Morgan Randall, Dr. Stuart Breese, Dr. Muddassir Mehmood, Dr. Nathaniel Piel, Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance, UTMC Hospice Services, and the doctors and staff at the University of Tennessee Medical Center for their care and support of our father during his battle with congestive heart failure and his recent medical challenges.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Valley Grove Baptist Church, located at 9000 Sevierville Pike, Knoxville, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Evan Holbrook, Tom Kilgore, and Charlie McNutt officiating.

Gene’s final resting place will be at Berry Highland South Cemetery, located at 9010 E. Simpson Road, Knoxville. Graveside service shall occur there on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Savior. His life was well lived, his faith well kept, and his love well given.

Gene had written in the front of his Bible: “Be thankful for your salvation, because one day you will stand before God with your glorified body, clothed with the righteousness of Christ, instead of your righteousness which is as filthy rags.” Gene now stands before God with his glorified body – no longer bridled by pain or human limitations – clothed with the righteousness of Christ and hearing the words he has waited to hear. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

We love you Dad and find comfort in the promise that we shall be together again. Condolences may be offered at www.berryhighlandsouth.com