The Rev. Roger H. Burgess

The Rev. Roger H. Burgess, 67, of Ellijay, died Tuesday, July 7, 2020.

He was born June 18, 1953, in Canton, Ohio, to the late Luther and Effie Davis Burgess. He was a graduate of Gilmer High School, class of 1971, and Pickens Tech. He was a Baptist minister for 37 years, having been ordained in 1989, and had pastored numerous churches in Gilmer, Fannin, Murray and Towns counties. 

He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, member of Oak Bowery Lodge #81 F&AM, where he was past master and chaplain. 

He also served as chaplain for the Ellijay Baptist Association. 

At the time of his death he and his son operated Blessed Assurance Generators.

He is survived by wife, Linda Ralston Burgess; son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Danielle Burgess, of Ellijay; daughter and son-in-law, Sharlee and Adam Davis, of Ellijay; grandchildren, Amberley and Adelyn Burgess; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Barbara Burgess, of Ellijay.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020, from the Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. Russell Burt, the Rev. Tim Hyde and the Rev. Robby Chastain officiating.

Music was by the church choir and Sara Cantrell.

Pallbearers were Rusty Rhodes, Artis Owenby, Randy Ponder, Kenny McClure, Johnny Scott, Steve Noland, Gene James, Randy Chastain Hoke Aaron, Buster Stover, Mack Wood and David Alsobrook.

Interment was in the church cemetery with Masonic rites by the Oak Bowery Lodge #81 F&AM.  

Donations can be made to the Masonic Children’s Home, 1417 Nottingham Dr., Macon GA 31211, in memory of Rev. Burgess.

Bernhardt Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.