James Rudolph Burgess

James Rudolph "Rudy" Burgess, 84, of 903 Broad St., Altavista died Monday, March 17, 2014 at Autumn Care of Altavista. He was the husband of Lucy Driskill Burgess for sixty-three years. He was born December 6, 1929 in Altavista, a son of the late Jesse King Burgess and Annie Mason Burgess. He was an active member of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School Superintendent and Methodist Youth Fellowship Counselor, while serving on the Board of Trustees, Pastor Staff, and Finance Committee. He retired from Paul Farmer Inc. with 43 years of service. Rudy was elected to the Altavista Town Council in 1972 and served 16 years, was elected Mayor in 1988 and served for 24 years. He further served his community as a past member of the Southside Business and Education Commission, the Region 2000 Partnership, Cub Master of Pack 184 for 10 years, and served on the Altavista Fire Company for 25 years. Considering the many contributions to the Altavista community, Rudy was honored as Altavista's Outstanding Citizen in 1978. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Marshall Burgess and his wife Debbie of Charlotte, NC and Bubba Burgess and his wife Debbie of Cumberland; two daughters, Jane Hudgins and her husband Mike of Altavista and Lucy Austin and her husband Wendell of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a brother, Bill Burgess of Altavista; nine grandchildren, four step grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Beth Davis; and three sisters, Susie Burgess, Ludie Pugh and Nellie Arthur. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Lane Memorial United Methodist Church by the Rev. Alan Combs and Rev. Rick Woodall with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-3:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m., Friday at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Lane Memorial United Methodist Church, 1201 Bedford Ave., Altavista, VA 24517.

James Rudolph Burgess

December 6, 1929 - March 17, 2014