He served in the military from 1974 to 1995 and retired from BAFB in Bossier City, Louisiana.
He is preceded in death by his father Roy V. Burgess, Mother Virginia Dare Morgan Burgess, brother Paul Hargrove, and wife Lou Burgess.
He is survived by his sisters Jean Rhodes and husband Brian of Pineville, Louisiana, Ginell Cooper and husband Camden of Alexandria, Louisiana, and Linda Higginbotham and husband Hugh of Pasadena, Texas.
Aunts:
Barbara Thomas of Lufkin, Texas. Billie Barnette of Midwest City, Oklahoma.
Daughters:
Velva Luithle and husband Jeff of Haughton, Louisiana.
Suzy Vargo and husband Andy of Bossier City, Louisiana.
Christine Ferrier and Husband Kerry of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Brenda Schrier and husband Mike of Acworth, Georgia.
Grandchildren:
Eugene and wife Billie Rutledge of Haughton, Louisiana.
Rachel Rutledge of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Michele Rutledge of Bossier City, Louisiana.
Nick Vargo and wife Erin of Austin, Texas.
Mitchell Ferrier and Nicole Ferrier of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Christopher Schrier and wife Jenna of Cumming, Georgia.
Roy is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Pall Bearers:
Tim Harrison
Warren “West” Brown
Eric Monroe
Bobby Neal
Tim Cryer
Jeremey Massey
Jonathon Clegg
Nathan “Nate” Gibson
"I love my God; I love my family. I love my country. I stood and fought for everything this country believes in and stands for. I served at BAFB from 1974 to 1995. I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia at a Naval hospital in 1955.
I grew up on a farm in Pineville, LA. I am a country boy born and raised. I loved working hard with my hands and I loved the farm.
I love and respected my Mom and Dad for everything they taught me and gave me.
I came to Bossier in 1980 to retire from BAFB. In 1984 I met and married the love of my life. I loved my Wife very much and hope to be with her when I go home to where she is now. She taught me how to love and be a better man.
I loved hunting, fishing, and old gospel music. I was taught by my Dad and spent days doing these things with him. I got to pass this down and enjoy with my grandsons and spent time with my other grandchildren who made me feel loved and special. I was truly blessed to be called Grandpa.
After retirement from BAFB, I went to work for the department of transportation. There I met some of the greatest people with whom I enjoyed spending my days with. I am blessed to say they are my lifelong friends.
My wish for when my time comes, is that I wanted no pain. I did not want to know what was happening to me and I did not know how to make that happen. I had to go to the ER and I met a doctor there who knew exactly what I needed to hear. He sat by my bed, held my hand, and told me my time was near. He made it easy for me. He prayed with me, he prayed for me; and I was finally at peace. My God put us in the right place at the right time. God does answer prayers.
The first time I met God was in Pineville, Louisiana where I grew up. Back then I was always chasing after my sister. When she walked up to preacher, I went to get her. While I was getting her, preacher asked me if I believed in God. I said yes. He told me to bring a towel next Sunday, so I thought we were going swimming. We didn’t go swimming. I got baptized.
Closing:
We are not human beings going through a temporary spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings going through a temporary human experience."
~ 'Roy J'
