Trey Burgess

James Alfred Burgess, III known to friends and family as “Trey” was born on January 21, 1961. He left this world to spend eternity with God on May 11, 2015. Trey battled brain cancer twice in his life and won the battle each time. One battle resulted in a healthy, happy continuation of this life. The other battle resulted in an eternal home with God. Trey is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. James Burgess, Jr.; one brother, Dane Burgess and his wife, Tara of Greenwood; two sisters, Rozanne Sterling and husband, Mark of Greenwood and Suzanne Wilson and husband, Don of Greenwood. Trey also is survived and will be remembered as the best uncle in the world to Brooks Coatney and wife, Amie of Fayetteville, Holly Elarbee and husband, Glen of Jonesboro, Tyler Wilson, Allie Wilson, Jabe, Jax and Jett Burgess, Taylor Sterling and wife, Alexis, Ryan Sterling and wife, Christen. Trey is also survived by and will be remembered fondly by seven great nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends and family.

Trey graduated from Greenwood High School in 1979 and attended Westark Community College. He obtained his barber’s license, following in his grandfather and father’s footsteps as a third generation barber. Trey was a member of the Greenwood Fire Department for 21 years and Director of the Greenwood Housing Authority for 26 years. In November of 2014, Trey was elected as a Greenwood City Council Member and took his oath of office on January 1, 2015. Due to his illness, Trey was unable to fulfill his role as a council member, but felt honored to serve the city he loved so much. He was also the owner and operator of Rafter B Farms in Greenwood.

Trey had many things that brought happiness to his life such as team roping, traveling to rodeo events with friends, watching his nephew and nieces play sports, and spending time on the farm with his horses, Bear and Pine Cone.

Trey was a member of Northside Church of Christ in Greenwood for his entire life. He was active and served the church through song leading, speaking, census, and a variety of other ways. His positive attitude and quiet spirit were an inspiration to many and will serve as a role model even after death.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Northside Church of Christ in Greenwood with burial at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Wednesday from 1 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 4 – 6 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Brooks Coatney, Tyler Wilson, Jabe, Jax and Jett Burgess, Ryan and Taylor Sterling and Glen Elarbee.