He was born in Chattanooga to the late Beatrice and Jay Beecher Burgess. Gary was a 1965 graduate of City High School. He served our country during Vietnam in the Air Force. Gary returned to Chattanooga after his time in the military and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He retired from TVA after 30 years of service. Gary was a longtime member of The Point Church at Signal where he also served as a sound tech. He was an avid supporter of UTC Mocs and was past president of the Chattanooga Mocs Club. Gary loved camping in their RV and was a member of the Cherokee Campers Club. He was a member of the Military Vehicle Club.
He was also preceded in death by a half-sister, Jean Vaughn.
Gary is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Shelia A. Burgess; children, Anthony “Tony” (Laura) Burgess and Shannon B. Burgess; father-in-law, Leon Webb; sister, Judy Burgess; brother, Dean (Donna) Burgess and half-sister, Joyce (Daniel) Haynes.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 pm on Tuesday, August 27, at The Point Church at Signal. 939 Ridgeway Ave., Signal Mountain, TN 37377.
A Celebration of Life service for Gary will follow at 3 pm on Tuesday at the church with Dr. Sam Greer, Dr. Gregg Hauss, Rev. Sally Ensley and Rev. Captain Jerry McNabb officiating.
Burial will be private on Wednesday at National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s name to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37416, www.hospiceofchattanooga.org or to The Point Church at Signal.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
