William Jesse Burgess

William Jesse Burgess, 90, of Altavista died Friday, September 19, 2014 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the loving husband of the late Marie Hall Burgess for forty-nine years. He was born October 5, 1923 in Altavista, a son of the late Jesse King Burgess and Annie Mason Burgess. He was a member of Central Baptist Church, former owner and operator of "The Center" restaurant and a veteran of the U. S. Air Force. Bill loved his country and his hometown of Altavista where he was well known as the town "Historian". He was very active in the Altavista Fire Company and the Altavista EMS. He served for over fifty years in the fire department and was a former chief and had over forty-two years of service in the rescue squad. Bill enjoyed the first Saturday's of the month, where he was active in the Trade Lot and was one of the oldest vendors of the Trade Lot. He received the "Community Builders Award" from Campbell Lodge # 316 A.F. and A.M. in 1995. He is survived by his only child, his daughter, Faith Burgess Francis of Altavista; his beloved grandchildren, Hope Francis Bradner, Charity Francis Lambert (Terry Lee), Joy Francis Richardson (David) and Jessica Francis El Alami (Amine); six great grandchildren, Matthew Bradner, Lucas Lambert, Bethany Bradner, Johara El Alami, Rayann El Alami and Brooklyn Richardson and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors, who loved and admired Bill. He was preceded in death by a brother, James "Rudy" Burgess; three sisters, Annie Susie Burgess, Lutie B. Pugh, Nellie B. Arthur and a son in law, Danny Ray Francis. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 22, 2014 at Central Baptist Church in Altavista by the Rev. David Bayse, with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Sunday at Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence his daughter, Faith Francis, 909 Park Street, Altavista. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Michelle Motley Blevins for being such a special care giver to our beloved dad and grandfather. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider The Altavista Fire Company, P.O. Box 208, Altavista, VA 24517 and the Altavista EMS, P.O. Box 1, Altavista, VA 24517.

William Jesse Burgess

October 5, 1923 - September 19, 2014