I have known Gerald for more than 35 years. Throughout my life, he was a mentor, a colleague, a counselor, a dear friend, and someone you could always count on and trust.
Gerald was no ordinary man. His mission in life was to help people from all walks of life, and he did so with remarkable compassion, wisdom, and generosity. He left a mark on my life that will never fade, and I know many others feel the same.
Gerald is now in a better place, at peace and smiling down on all of us with the same warmth and kindness he shared throughout his life. He earned that peace through a life so well lived and through the love and care he gave so freely to others.
To his family, please accept my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences.
Gerald’s legacy of compassion, wisdom, and generosity will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dear Diane and family, I am sending my love and prayers for comfort and strength in your loss. Gerald was very dear to me and it was always a blessing to see him. The eulogy he gave at my Mom’s funeral was so sweet and he shared  a wonderful look at her life when she came into the Burgess fold as a new bride. His love for his cousins, Aunts and Uncles always was evident in texts and phone calls and we treasured those rare visits to the SC Upstate. 
I can only imagine the reunion he has had with his loved ones around Jesus feet. 
You all will be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days as you remember him.  
I love you and God Bless
Judy Burgess Mathis
( cousin)

Mr. Gerald (as my kids call him) was one in a million! His mentorship has advanced my professional career beyond my expectations but more importantly he touched my heart like no other. My first day on the job I was terrified of him. He walked and talked with purpose and I was just hoping I wouldn’t disappoint him. He had the ability to fire someone and they would literally be thanking him on the way out. He ALWAYS gave so much of himself and poured his love, knowledge and kindness in everyone’s cup! We called Gerald “large and in charge “, that was TGB! I won’t lie, there were times I wanted to pull my hair out but looking back everything he asked of me  was for a greater purpose. He will forever be one of the most influential people in my story.  

My condolences and prayers to the family and many friends. We will all carry a piece of him with us until we meet again!

Amber Holt & family

Gerald was one of the finest people I had the pleasure to work with during my career. From going through the interview process to starting work at Teksid back in 1996, Gerald always made us feel welcome and  genuinely cared about how we were doing. He was this way with everyone. 

We still look back and laugh about the time we attended a Christmas party back in 1996. We did not have a baby sitter so we had our 4 month old daughter with us.  Our intention was to not stay long. Gerald came up and asked if he could hold our daughter. We ended up staying much longer than planned because we could not get her back from him. He carried her for over an hour. Gerald was that kind of person. He loved people.

Our family's condolences to the Burgess family for their loss. The would is worse off, but Gerald is in a much better place.

So sorry to hear about Mr Burgess. He was truly a great man.  He went to FBC in Dickson and he always greeted us at the door.  He worked at Nemak with my daughter, Robin Binkley, and was always so nice to her.  Even blessed her house when she got it built.   He will be missed.  Rest in Peace.

Gerald was a great friend and  I always thought so much of him because he always had such an encouraging spirit.  I worked with him during the late 90’s and just enjoyed him so much .  I just always came away feeling great after talking with him. I know he loved his family and my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Gerald lived a very meaningful life and touched many in his path.   He will be missed.  

Edd Ingram

Kim, my two sons and I would all like to express our sincere condolences to the Burgess family.  Gerald touched our lives on a level that is unmatched in the world of work today.  He took a genuine interest in both of my boys and would always start a conversation with "how is your family"?
     He left a lasting legacy at Nemak and the city of Sylacauga.  The Nemak site would not be in our town today if not for the hard work and leadership Gerald put forth in convincing Teksid to locate here.  
Other structures that Gerald impacted are the library, Sylacauga HS field house and building projects at the First Baptist Church.  To quote one our city leaders, "If Gerald was involved, it was going to get done."  
     He taught me so much when it comes to working with people and he probably forgot more about human resources than most will ever learn.  I will miss him terribly.

Gray Ellison

Gerald as many of us from the Teksid family know him by, was an absolute legend as Humane Resources director. And a dear friend to many. He mentored many of us and always took the time to listen. He could be stern when needed but always fair across the board. Never have I ever met a man that affected so many, he went out of his way in so many ways , if any of us were in the hospital you could bet he would be stopping in to see if there was anything he could do. If you were down he would sense it and take the time to pick you back up. He loved his family , God and those he worked with. He created the Teksid family .

I had the pleasure of working with Gerald at Nemak.  He was a friend and a mentor.   In his HR management positions,  he had the respect of  all levels of employees from hourly to top executives.  He had a gift of being able to connect on a personal level with everyone he came in contact with.  He always went above and beyond and helped foster many careers.  He will be missed.  My condolences to his family whom he often spoke of and was very proud of.

I worked with Gerald for years me and my husband both. Great man at work and away from work playing golf or just sitting and talking. Prayers for your family he is a great friend and mentor!! ❤️ 🙏

Diane and family.  I am so sorry to hear of Gerald’s passing.  Mom and Dad sure enjoyed having you as their neighbors and Dad loved sparring with Gerald in whose grass was whose!!  I especially have enjoyed listening to Dads old radio show when Gerald would call in.  They really had a good time talking all things sports!!  Boy did they love their teams.  I pray you are comforted in knowing where he is in the arms of jesus.  I had heard from mom that you both have been spending your retirement years being the hands and feet of Jesus.  Best way to spend those wonderful years!  May God bless you and your family. Greer Wright Bisignani (now living at 2422 Lake Terrace)

The world has lost a man who served others in many ways, as a husband, as a father, as a grandfather, as a guide and helper, and as a friend. His may gifts and talents were shared and enjoyed by those of us who looked up to him with the greatest of respect.  Toy will be missed and cannot be replaced.

OBITUARY

Toy Gerald Burgess

May 2, 1943 – September 10, 2026

Collierville Funeral Home

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service